Love's crucifix : nine sonnets and a canzone

A delicate rendering of Petrarch’s most intimate verses, this collection brings nine sonnets and a canzone into English with graceful fidelity. The poems trace the poet’s lifelong devotion to the silent Laura, moving from hopeful admiration to the quiet sorrow of her death. Listeners will feel the timeless echo of love‑and‑loss that has resonated through centuries of Italian song.

The introductory essay sets the stage, explaining how the Tuscan tongue shaped Italy’s literary voice and why translating its subtle antitheses demands both skill and good faith. It offers a gentle meditation on the dream motifs that Petrarch uses to give Laura a voice beyond the grave, inviting readers to share his tender, unflinching contemplation. The result is a lyrical journey that balances scholarly insight with heartfelt emotion, perfect for an intimate listening experience.