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The first English translation of Petrarch’s Psalms and Prayers provides an intimate look at the personal devotions of the “Father of Humanism.”
Throughout Petrarch’s work, there is an undercurrent of tension between the secular and the sacred. In this captivating new translation of the Psalms and the Prayers, Demetrio Yocum turns to a previously overlooked area of Petrarchan studies to open a window on the scholar’s innermost religious thoughts.
Petrarch's Psalms and Prayers are intricately crafted poetic and devotional works, presented in facing Latin/English format. In his extensive introduction and commentary, Yocum situates these bold, original compositions within their historical, literary, and religious contexts, deftly drawing connections to classical texts, the Bible and the writings of the church fathers, and Petrarch’s own life, work, and poetics.
This remarkable first-ever English translation of the Psalms and Prayers helps to reconcile Petrarch’s classical humanism with his devout, deeply personal Christianity.
“Both experienced and first-time readers will find the insightful explication of the text and the rich exploration of its cultural echoes in his commentary definitely rewarding.” —Simone Marchesi, co-editor of The “Decameron” Ninth Day in Perspective
“An important contribution to Petrarchan studies and to late medieval religious literature in general.” —Christopher Kleinhenz, co-editor of Approaches to Teaching Dante’s “Divine Comedy”
"Demetrio S. Yocum's Petrarch’s Penitential Psalms and Prayers is a deeply learned, richly detailed and much needed translation of Petrarch's seven psalms and ten prayers. Sensitive to religious doctrine and Petrarch's humanist inclinations, Yocum displays a complete mastery of his subject. A superb book." —William P. Caferro, author of Petrarch's War
"Precisely this humanistic, literary and poetic approach to religious and theological tradition is one that is often lacking as we reach the third millennium of the Christian faith." –Mayéutica
"By making these texts available in English for a wider circle of readers, Yocum’s exemplar editorship greatly contributes to the reconfiguration of Petrarch’s image as a poet both fully secular and religious, civic and spiritual. His inner conflict is therefore acted out one more time in what constitutes further proof of Petrarch’s modern literary identity and practice." —Italica
"By exploring in depth and detail a work that has always been considered of secondary interest, this book offers excellent insights into Petrarch’s compositive methods at large, his relationship with his sources, and his relationship with his intended readership—the latter always an extremely difficult point in the case of this writer." —The Medieval Review
Francesco Petrarca (1304–1374) was a scholar and poet of early Renaissance Italy. He is widely recognized as the "Father of Humanism" as he laid the foundation for Renaissance humanism, emphasizing the study of authors and thinkers from classical antiquity through the Middle Ages.
Demetrio S. Yocum is senior research associate for the Notre Dame Center for Italian Studies. His most recent publications include his monograph Petrarch’s Humanist Writing and Carthusian Monasticism, his co-edited volume At the Heart of Liturgy, and his translation Mary of Magdala: Revisiting the Sources.
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations and Other Conventions
1. Introduction
2. A Note on the Translation
3. Petrarch’s Seven Psalms
4. Petrarch’s Prayers
Bibliography
Index