Ariosto, Shakespeare and Corneille

In this insightful volume, an Italian philosopher‑critic probes the works of Ariosto, Shakespeare, and Corneille, offering fresh perspectives on their art. Using his Theory of Aesthetic, he defines art as intuition‑expression and shows how each writer balances lyrical imagination with structural harmony. His reading of Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso treats the epic as a clear celebration of love and adventure, yet one that rests on deep emotional currents.

Turning to Shakespeare, he separates the playwright’s practical temperament from his poetic soul, tracing themes of power, desire, and the uncanny. In the section on Corneille, the critic outlines the French dramatist’s ideal of heroic tragedy and uncovers the mechanics that modernize classical forms. All three essays are rendered in clear, idiomatic English, preserving Croce’s rigorous yet vivid voice for readers who love both literature and philosophy.