Charlemagne in Italy

The Italian tradition of chivalric narratives in verse and prose from the 14th to the 16th century portrays Charlemagne in various ways, from positive to negative, influenced by political and historical events. The works of anonymous reciters, Andrea da Barberino, Luigi Pulci, Matteo Maria Boiardo, and Ludovico Ariosto explore his ambiguous portrait.

Format: Hardback
Length: 408 pages
Publication date: 24 January 2023
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

From the early fourteenth to the mid-sixteenth century, chivalric tales and narratives about Charlemagne were created and spread throughout Italy. These works, which were written in both verse and prose, continued to flourish in popular theatre forms that are still enjoyed today. However, the question remains: are these tales historical fact or mere fiction? Are they rooted in myth or grounded in reality? Do they represent cultural memory or deliberate appropriation? Are they reserved for the elite or accessible to the masses? Are they transmitted orally or through written forms?

The volume begins with an exploration of the earliest tales composed for Italians in the hybrid language of Franco-Italian, drawing inspiration from the French tradition of Charlemagne narratives. It then delves into the compositions of anonymous reciters of cantari and the prose versions of the Florentine Andrea da Barberino. Finally, it discusses the significant literary contributions to the genre by Luigi Pulci, Matteo Maria Boiardo, and Ludovico Ariosto.

Throughout the volume, the focus remains on the persistent ambiguity of Charlemagne's portrait, seen as both Emperor and King of France. This ambiguity is influenced by the contemporary political situation and historical events such as invasion and warfare. Charlemagne emerges through these texts in a myriad of guises, ranging from positive and admirable to negative and despised.

The portrayal of Charlemagne in Italian chivalric narratives is a rich and complex tapestry, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the historical figure and the evolving cultural landscape of medieval Italy. These narratives not only provide a window into the past but also offer valuable insights into the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the time.

Weight: 746g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846710