The Lion of St. Mark

By: G. A. Henty

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Francis, an English lad, lives in fourteenth-century Venice, during a period when the city’s strength and splendor were put to the severest of tests by a war with Hungary, Padua, and Genoa. This young hero displays wisdom and manliness in the face of conflict, and such traits carry him safely through an atmosphere of intrigue, crime, and bloodshed. He contributes largely to the Venetian victories at Porto d’Anzo and Chioggia, and he even finds himself drawn into a little romance.

“I have laid my story in the time not of the triumphs of Venice but of her hardest struggle for existence—when she defended herself successfully against the coalition of Hungary, Padua, and Genoa—for never at any time were the virtues of Venice, her steadfastness, her patriotism, and her willingness to make all sacrifice for her independence more brilliantly shown. The historical portion of the story is drawn from Hazlitt’s History of the Republic of Venice, and with it I have woven the adventures of an English boy endowed with a full share of that energy and pluck which, more than any other qualities, have made the British Empire the greatest the world ever saw.”—G. A. Henty

(P)2002 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“[A] delightful tale…The story offers action and intrigue, and Francis (‘Francisco’ to the Venetians) is a charming lad filled with ‘energy and pluck.’ Howard splendidly reads with a sonorous and stately voice, nuanced perfectly for narration.”

(AudioFile)

This is my favorite G.A. Henty

This book was just fun to listen to. The reader was good. The story was full of action. Henty even gave his female characters, who are usually two dimensional, a little depth and spirit. The protagonist was one of the most likeable of any of Henty's books that I have read.

Absolutely amazing. Highly recommend.

The book was fantastic. The reader was superb. I couldn’t have asked for better. Great book.

Incredible!

I had to read this for high school literature this year, I usually despise battle strategies and the like, but it had hints of romance, suspense and excitement. The main character was remarkably built and very admirable!!!

Nicely done!

Another all-around great romp by Henty! Thank you, Mr. Cosham, for an un-prepossessing yet most capable read!

Outstandingly entertaining and narrated

This historical fiction is captivating and the narration is extremely well done. The narrator successfully gives each character of the story (of which there are many both male and female) a distinct, recognizable, and nuanced voice. The history of Venice at the end of the 14th century comes to life herein.