Petrarch’s Canzoniere

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Francesco Petrarca, commonly anglicized as Petrarch, was a scholar and poet of early Renaissance Italy, and one of the earliest humanists. Petrarch's rediscovery of Cicero's letters is often credited with initiating the 14th-century Italian Renaissance and the founding of Renaissance humanism.

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.

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