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PETRARCH FOR THE MODERN EAR, by the translator of a Dante edition that 'ranks with the very best available in English'.
Francesco Petrarch’s Canzoniere (translated in English as ‘Scattered Rhymes’) is a collection of 14th century poems famed for their exploration of love, grief, spirituality and nature. Peter Thornton's accessible new translation brings Petrarch to the 21st century in direct, rhymed, English verse - for academics and poetry enthusiasts alike.
Written over the course of forty years (approximately between 1328-1368), Petrarch's various poems often come back to Laura. He adores her in life and after her early death. His Canzoniere also serves as a valuable contemporary insight into 14th century religion and Christendom. Petrarch’s work is one of civilization’s most immaculate achievements. Peter Thornton provides non-intrusive, insightful commentary and guidance through the text.
“A brilliant new translation of Petrarch’s intensely introspective verse: polished, vivid, and accompanied by illuminating annotations at the ends of poems. This concise commentary provides the reader with welcome, non-intrusive guidance, ranging from helpful historical contextualisation to perceptive textual interpretation, and quietly points out later echoes of the poems, from Proust to blues—testament to Petrarch’s lasting currency. An invaluable new resource for both the consummate Petrarch student and the first-time reader.” - Dr Selene Scarsi, Kingston University, London
‘‘A magnificent new translation that is as soaring as it is earthly.”– Arvind Krishna Mehrotra.