Ariosto and the Arabs: Contexts for the Orlando Furioso

Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso (1532) is a dynamic and influential literary text that examines various links in the chain of interactions between Europe and the Middle East from late antiquity to early modernity. This collection of essays by scholars from Europe, Africa, and Asia explores different aspects of the poem, such as philology, religious and social history, cartography, material and figurative arts, and performance, to shed new light on the relational systems generated by and illustrative of Ariosto's work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Harvard University Press

Orlando Furioso, a literary masterpiece from the European sixteenth century, emerges as a vibrant and influential work that captures the essence of a rapidly changing world. Written by Ludovico Ariosto in 1532, this poem serves as a captivating lens through which to explore the intricate web of interactions that characterized the Mediterranean region from late antiquity to early modernity and beyond.

Ariosto and the Arabs takes its inspiration from Jorge Luis Borges' celebrated short poem, "Ariosto y los Arabes" (1960). In this poem, the Furioso acts as a pivotal figure, connecting the past and future literary cultures of Europe and the Middle East. The Muslim "Saracen," as the protagonist of historical conflict and cultural exchange, represents the fundamental "Other" in Ariosto's work. However, Orlando Furioso also delves into the broader network of linguistic, political, and faith communities that defined the Mediterranean basin during that time.

The sixteen contributions presented in this collection, crafted by a diverse group of scholars specializing in Europe, Africa, and Asia, encompass a wide range of analytical areas. These include philology, religious and social history, cartography, material and figurative arts, and performance. By employing these diverse approaches, the contributors aim to shed new light on the relational systems generated by and illustrative of Ariosto's extraordinary poem.

Through their meticulous research and insightful interpretations, the authors of these contributions unravel the rich tapestry of themes and motifs that permeate Orlando Furioso. They explore the poem's complex narrative structure, its vivid portrayal of characters, and its exploration of themes such as love, loyalty, revenge, and the nature of heroism. They also examine the poem's historical and cultural significance, considering its role in shaping the literary and cultural landscape of the sixteenth century and its enduring impact on subsequent generations of writers and readers.

In conclusion, Orlando Furioso stands as a testament to the power of literature to transcend time and space, connecting the past and the present in a way that is both captivating and thought-provoking. By examining the poem through the lens of Ariosto and the Arabs, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex web of relationships that defined the Mediterranean region and the enduring legacy of Ariosto's masterpiece.

Dimension: 241 x 165 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780674278790