Bellarion: The Fortunate, first published in the United States in 1926 by the HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY, is an historical novel by Rafael Sabatini. Many consider it his finest work, although it has never been the best known or nt most popular. Set at the beginning of the 15th century in Northern Italy, it takes place first in the Marquessate of Montferrat and later in the Duchy of Milan. Most of the characters were real people, including Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Gian Maria Visconti, Facino Cane, Filippo Maria Visconti, and Francesco Bussone da Carmagnola; the title character is the notable exception. The story revolves around the lives of Bellarion, a soldier, and the noblewoman whose cause he serves and whose heart he desires. Bellarion grows in service to Princess Valeria from a sheltered, sensitive young man to a blooded, successful, and feared veteran combat leader and advisor.