Clizia: A Tale of Scandalous Surprises from the Italian Renaissance

LUST, one of the Seven Deadly Sins, is the motivating force throughout CLIZIA, H.D. Greaves' novelization of Niccolò Machiavelli's bawdiest and most scandalous comedy. We are introduced to CLIZIA, a beautiful little orphan, who has been raised by a wealthy and respected family as their foster daughter. All is well until she turns sixteen and matures into a succulent young woman, all innocent virginal sexuality. This condition enflames her foster brother - as well as her foster father! - each desiring to possess the young woman. Sofronia, wife and mother, aware of their dangerous folly, must find a way to bring her husband back to his senses, as well as discipline her errant son. Success in returning integrity and decency back to the family depends on her use of a shocking sexual deceit -one of many unusual surprises - with CLIZIA'S fate hanging in the balance. An irreverently humorous look at Renaissance mores, CLIZIA is generously filled with outrageously droll, ribald, and robust Machiavellian misadventures. Greaves' adaptation vividly shows this unusual tale still possesses considerable power to shock and amuse-five centuries after it first appeared! LUST, it would seem-and as we who are wise well know-is never out of fashion.