Stories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 2

This volume gathers a lively selection of Italian poetic narratives, ranging from the daring exploits of Angelica and her suitors to fantastical journeys across enchanted forests and even to the moon. The stories blend courtly romance, heroic adventure, and playful satire, while an accompanying appendix offers translations of key episodes and brief critical notes that illuminate the poems’ historical flavor.

Interwoven with the verses are concise biographies of the poets who shaped them, most notably the vibrant Count Matteo Maria Boiardo. His life unfolded amid the bustling courts of Modena and Ferrara, where he balanced military service, diplomatic duties, and a thriving literary career. The portrait reveals a man of broad learning—fluent in Greek, versed in Latin, and deeply rooted in the chivalric tradition—who forged a bridge between the early street‑ballad romance of Pulci and the grand epics that would follow. The result is a charming glimpse into Renaissance Italy’s poetic imagination, perfect for listeners who enjoy richly woven tales and the people behind them.