St. Leon is the story of a French aristocrat Count Reginald de St. Leon who loses his fortune
gambling and experiences guilt that almost drives him crazy. Count Reginald narrates his life
story starting with his father's death when he was an infant. He was brought up by his mother
a woman full of the prejudices of aristocracy and magnificence. Reginald had great regard for
aristocratic honor. After being inspired by his uncle the Marquis de Villeroy he joined the
Italian war of 1521-1526 hoping to gain military fame in the battle of Pavia. When he returned
home from service he found out that his mother was dead and the twenty-year-old was forced to
take control of his own affairs. The novel explores the themes of immortality love and
friendship integrity and religion. Godwin combines elements of domestic philosophical and
fantasy novels into a historical fiction of extensive range. There are exciting gothic elements
in the story.
