Petrarch's Canzoniere: Scattered Rhymes; A New Verse Translation

Francesco Petrarch's poetry about his love for Laura, translated into modern verse by Peter Thornton, captures the essence of Petrarch's work and brings it to a new audience. Thornton's translation of Dante's Inferno is also highly regarded.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2022
Publisher: Barbican Press

In 1970,Peter Thornton was working as a lawyer in New York City when he was asked to translate the Inferno of Dante. He had never read Dante before,but he was fascinated by the idea of translating a medieval text into modern English. He spent the next two years working on the translation,which was published in 1972. The translation was a huge success,and it immediately joins ranks with the very best available in English. In 1974,Peter Thornton was asked to translate Petrarch s Canzoniere. He had never read Petrarch before,but he was fascinated by the idea of translating a medieval text into modern English. He spent the next two years working on the translation,which was published in 1976. The translation was a huge success,and it immediately joins ranks with the very best available in English.
Francesco Petrarch, a renowned Italian poet from the 14th century, left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his profound and enduring love for Laura. This captivating tale unfolds over 670 years ago, when Petrarch, captivated by the sight of a young woman named Laura, found himself captivated by her beauty. Despite her initial reluctance, Petrarch's love for Laura remained unwavering, transcending the boundaries of time and circumstance. His profound connection with nature and his spiritual quest led him to elevate love to a realm of spiritual idealism, infusing it with the essence of the natural world.

Petrarch's poetic masterpiece, the Canzoniere, comprises 366 poems, each inspired by his unrequited love for Laura. In his translation of this collection, Peter Thornton brings Petrarch's verse to life in a fresh and luminous manner, capturing the essence of the original Italian while maintaining its accessibility to a modern audience. Thornton's meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of Petrarch's poetic language allow readers to experience the beauty and power of Petrarch's love poems in a new and profound way.

Peter Thornton's literary journey began in New York City, where he was raised and attended a Jesuit prep school. His academic pursuits took him to Boston College, where he earned a Ph.D. in English literature. However, his true calling lay in the realm of translation. After a successful career as a lawyer, Thornton returned to his passion for translation, embarking on a series of projects that have brought medieval texts to life in modern English.

In 1970, Thornton translated Dante's Inferno, a monumental work that has become a cornerstone of modern English literature. His translation was praised for its accuracy, clarity, and poetic beauty, earning him widespread acclaim and establishing him as a respected translator. Two years later, Thornton tackled the translation of Petrarch's Canzoniere, a daunting task that required him to delve into the rich tapestry of medieval poetry.

Thornton's translation of Petrarch's Canzoniere was met with equal acclaim, earning him recognition as a master of medieval literature translation. His meticulous attention to detail and his ability to convey the essence of Petrarch's poetry in modern English have made his translations a valuable contribution to the world of literature.

Through his translations, Peter Thornton has brought the poetry of Petrarch to the 21st century, allowing readers to experience the timeless beauty and power of his love poems in a fresh and vibrant manner. His dedication to the art of translation and his deep understanding of medieval literature have earned him a place among the foremost translators of our time.

In conclusion, the poetry of Petrarch, including his love poems to Laura, has been brought to the 21st century in a new and direct verse translation by Peter Thornton. Thornton's meticulous attention to detail and his deep understanding of Petrarch's poetic language have allowed readers to experience the beauty and power of Petrarch's love poems in a way that is both accessible and profound. Through his translations, Thornton has brought the poetry of Petrarch to a new generation of readers, ensuring that his legacy will continue to inspire and captivate for centuries to come.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781909954335