The adventures of Harlequin
by Francis Bickley (1885–1976)
"The Adventures of Harlequin" by Francis Bickley is a romantic novel written in the early 20th century. Drawing on the commedia dell’arte, it follows the irrepressible Harlequin from a mischievous boyhood in Bergamo to a career of dancing and adventure in Venice, where he partners with the mandoline-playing Scaramouche and falls for the radiant Columbine. Around them swirl Violetta, Pierrot, the pompous Captain Spavente, and the domineering doctor Pantaloon, whose schemes and pride complicate young love and lively art. The opening of the book traces Harlequin’s birth to a fruit-seller and his light-footed wife, his impish pranks, and his flight from Bergamo after a firecracker fiasco. On the road he meets Scaramouche, and together they captivate Venice from Burattino’s inn, humbling the blustering Spavente and dazzling aristocratic salons—while Harlequin hears of the sad Lady Isabella, jilted by Lelio for the mysterious Columbine. Smitten at first sight, Harlequin’s bungled visit to Dr. Pantaloon leads Violetta to outwit the household so Columbine can watch him dance; soon, with Scaramouche distracting Pantaloon, a rope at the window brings the lovers together. Spavente’s eavesdropping exposes the ruse, Pantaloon storms home, Harlequin narrowly escapes, and Columbine is locked away—until the loyal, heartsore Pierrot vows to help, setting the stage for further daring and deception. (This is an automatically generated summary.)