Out with Garibaldi: A story of the liberation of Italy

The narrative follows the struggle to defend a city against a superior invading force, chronicling desperate street fighting, the planting of siege artillery, and fierce assaults on barricades and villas. Internal divisions among the republican leaders lead to a decision to cease resistance to avoid futile slaughter and destruction; the chief commander negotiates terms and leads a retreat. The aftermath traces the patriots’ flight through neighboring territories, shelter in a small republic, capture and execution of some followers, and the leader’s escape into exile, while foreign sympathizers make their own choices about staying or withdrawing. Themes include courage, sacrifice, and the costs of failed insurrection.