This is by much the most popular of Hall Caine's novels thus far. It is intended to show that the morality which is required of individual men should govern nations also. The chief scene is Rome, and the Pope (a reverent portrait resembling Pius IX) is one of the leading characters.
The story which was first published in 1901, anticipated the Socialistic and Communistic movement, not only in Italy, but throughout Europe. A socialist leader of high character and capacity, David Rossi, makes an effort to carry into effect the teachings of Mazzini, which he understands to be according to the precepts of the Lord's Prayer. At the crisis of his endeavor he is betrayed into the hands of authorities by the woman he loves, who is moved solely by the desire to save his life.
The perils of the communistic and anti-military movement as well as its spiritual ideals form the background of the story, but its main theme is love, the upraising of a woman's character under the influence of a pure affection. The love story is the strongest element in this greatly popular book.