Petrarch's Penitential Psalms and Prayers

The first English translation of Petrarch's Psalms and Prayers offers a glimpse into his personal devotions, revealing tension between the secular and the sacred. Demetrio Yocum's translation and commentary situate the works in their historical, literary, and religious contexts, drawing connections to classical texts, the Bible, and Petrarch's own life, work, and poetics. This translation helps reconcile Petrarch's classical humanism with his devout Christianity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2024
Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press

The first English translation of Petrarch's Psalms and Prayers offers a captivating glimpse into the intimate devotions of the "Father of Humanism." Throughout his work, Petrarch's writings reveal a subtle tension between the secular and the sacred. In this captivating new translation, Demetrio Yocum delves into a previously unexplored aspect of Petrarchan studies, shedding light on the scholar's profound religious thoughts. Petrarch's Psalms and Prayers are exquisite poetic and devotional compositions, presented in a facing Latin/English format. Yocum's extensive introduction and commentary provide valuable insights into the historical, literary, and religious contexts of these bold and original works. He skillfully connects them to classical texts, the Bible, the writings of the church fathers, and Petrarch's own life, work, and poetics. This groundbreaking translation helps reconcile Petrarch's classical humanism with his sincere and deeply personal Christianity.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 150 x 229 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780268207854