Cronaca di Fra Salimbene parmigiano vol. I

Written by a young Franciscan from Parma, this chronicle offers a vivid, on‑the‑scene account of thirteenth‑century Italy. The author recounts his hurried entry into the order, his restless wanderings across cities and courts, and the colorful encounters he had with popes, emperors and leading scholars of the day. His narrative blends earnest religious devotion with a sharp eye for the political intrigues and cultural currents that shaped the era.

The manuscript, rendered in a clear, flowing Latin that has been carefully rendered into readable Italian, is accompanied by scholarly notes and a detailed index, guiding the listener through names, places and events. As the monk moves from the quiet cloisters to bustling towns, he records battles, diplomatic missions, artistic trends and everyday life with a lively, personal voice. Listeners will gain a rare, intimate portrait of medieval society, from the fervor of preaching to the early stirrings of Italian poetic expression.