Rime: The Complete Lyric Poetry

For centuries, the sonnet tradition has captivated European writers, beginning with Giacomo da Lentini and flourishing in the hands of Dante and Petrarch. Yet while Dante’s and Petrarch’s lyric poetry has long been available to English readers through numerous translations, the complete work of Giovanni Boccaccio - the third of Italy’s Three Crowns - remains largely inaccessible in English, despite his towering influence.

The RIME bridges this gap by presenting the first complete English translation of Boccaccio’s poetry alongside the original Italian text. Based on Antonio Lanza’s modern edition, this translation brings to life Boccaccio’s mastery of the sonnet form and lyrical voice, shedding new light on his poetic achievements.

With an insightful introduction and extensive notes, this book serves as a vital resource for students and scholars of Italian literature. A long-overdue addition to the canon of translated Italian literature, this edition ensures that Boccaccio’s lyrical brilliance can finally be appreciated in English.

Richard Lansing is a Professor Emeritus of Italian Studies and Comparative Literature at Brandeis University.