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Sonnets: Dual Language Alma Classics Cecco Angiolieri - A Lyrical Journey into Medieval Italy

Yasunari Kawabata

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Embark on a captivating literary adventure with "Sonnets: Dual Language Alma Classics Cecco Angiolieri," a masterpiece that transports readers to the vibrant streets and intimate chambers of medieval Italy.

Sonnets: Dual Language Alma Classics Cecco Angiolieri Book Cover Depicting A Medieval Manuscript With Ornate Text Sonnets: Dual Language (Alma Classics) Cecco Angiolieri

A Troubadour's Tale: The Life and Times of Cecco Angiolieri

Cecco Angiolieri, born in 1260 in Siena, was a troubadour whose life was as colorful and tumultuous as his poetry. A master of the sonnet form, he chronicled his misadventures, love affairs, and financial woes with wit, passion, and an unflinching honesty.

Through his sonnets, we encounter a vibrant cast of characters: from his beloved Becchina to his mischievous friends and rivals. Angiolieri's verses paint a vivid tapestry of medieval Italian society, capturing the complexities of love, friendship, and the human condition.

Sonnets of Love, Laughter, and Lament

Collected in this dual-language edition, Angiolieri's sonnets cover a wide range of emotions and themes. Some sonnets are filled with passionate love and longing, celebrating the joys of romance and the beauty of the female form.

Her eyes are like bright stars, her lips like rose / Her throat is alabaster, her breasts are fair / Her hair is like fine gold, most precious and rare / Her hands as soft as silk, her nails like glows

Other sonnets are filled with laughter and satire, poking fun at love's foibles and the absurdities of everyday life. Angiolieri's wit shines through in these humorous verses, which offer a glimpse into the lighter side of medieval society.

If I had a thousand pounds, I'd buy a horse / And ride it to Rome to see the Pope / I'd kiss his toe and then I'd leave the course / And go to Florence, where I'd make my home

But Angiolieri's sonnets also explore darker themes, such as poverty, illness, and death. Through these verses, we witness the struggles and sorrows of a man grappling with the harsh realities of his time.

I'm so poor that I can't pay my rent / I'm so sick that I can't get out of bed / I'm so ugly that I can't find a gent / To take pity on me and give me bread

The Art of the Sonnet: Form and Function

Angiolieri's mastery of the sonnet form is evident throughout this collection. His sonnets adhere to the traditional structure of 14 lines, often employing a rhyme scheme of ABBA ABBA CDCDCD or ABBA ABBA CDE CDE. This structure provides a framework for his thoughts and emotions, allowing him to explore complex themes with precision and economy.

Beyond their formal structure, Angiolieri's sonnets showcase his unique voice and style. His language is often colloquial and earthy, reflecting the rhythms and idioms of everyday speech. He employs vivid imagery and playful metaphors to bring his subjects to life, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.

Dual Language Edition: Unlocking the Power of Poetry

This dual-language edition of Angiolieri's sonnets offers a unique opportunity to engage with the poet's original words in Italian and in an expertly rendered English translation. The facing-page format allows readers to appreciate the nuances of Angiolieri's language while also fully understanding the meaning and beauty of his poetry.

For students and scholars, this edition provides an invaluable tool for language learning and linguistic analysis. For lovers of literature and poetry, it offers a direct connection to the mind and heart of a medieval master.

The Legacy of Cecco Angiolieri: A Timeless Voice

Cecco Angiolieri's sonnets have stood the test of time, continuing to resonate with readers centuries after they were first written. His honest and passionate portrayal of human experience has earned him a place among the great poets of the Italian Middle Ages.

In this dual-language edition, "Sonnets: Dual Language Alma Classics Cecco Angiolieri" invites you to step into the vibrant and enigmatic world of medieval Italy. Through Angiolieri's sonnets, you will experience the joys and sorrows, the laughter and tears, of a man who lived and loved with an unyielding passion.

Whether you are a seasoned lover of poetry or new to the genre, this collection will captivate your imagination and leave an enduring mark on your soul.

About the Author

Cecco Angiolieri (1260-1312) was an Italian poet from Siena. He is best known for his sonnets, which often deal with love, poverty, and exile. Angiolieri's poetry is characterized by its realism, humor, and wit. He is considered one of the most important poets of the Italian Middle Ages.

Alma Classics

Alma Classics is an imprint of Alma Books Ltd., a British independent publisher specializing in classic literature and historical fiction. Alma Classics publishes a wide range of works, from ancient Greek and Roman classics to medieval epics and modern masterpieces. Their books are known for their beautiful design and their commitment to accurate and authoritative texts.

Sonnets: Dual-Language (Alma Classics)

by Cecco Angiolieri

5 out of 5