Tasso's masterpiece finally emerges as an English masterpiece.
Torquato Tasso Books
March 11, 1544 – April 25, 1595
Torquato Tasso was an Italian poet whose 16th-century work is celebrated for its imaginative scope and dramatic portrayal of historical conflict. His verse masterfully blends reality with illusion, captivating European readers for centuries with its vivid narratives. Tasso's literary legacy lies in his ability to craft compelling worlds and gripping tales that resonate with archetypal themes of struggle and faith. He left an indelible mark on European literature through his unique poetic voice and profound storytelling.
Jerusalem Delivered (Gerusalemme Liberata)
Translated By Edward Fairfax Edited By Henry Morley
- 486 pages
- 18 hours of reading
Set during the First Crusade, this epic poem follows the heroic exploits of Godfrey of Bouillon and his knights as they seek to liberate Jerusalem from Muslim control. Through a blend of adventure, romance, and allegory, the narrative explores themes of faith, valor, and the struggle between good and evil. The translation by Edward Fairfax, complemented by Henry Morley's editing, aims to capture the grandeur and lyrical beauty of the original work, making it accessible to modern readers while preserving its historical significance.
Rinaldo
A New English Verse Translation with Facing Italian Text, Critical Introduction and Notes
- 494 pages
- 18 hours of reading
At just eighteen, Torquato Tasso crafted "Rinaldo," an epic poem that merges romantic elements with classical influences from Virgil and Aristotle. Demonstrating remarkable originality in style and plot, Tasso showcases his storytelling prowess by weaving together a diverse cast of characters, intricate settings, and extraordinary events into a cohesive narrative. The work reflects the rich tradition of Italian epic poetry while establishing Tasso as a significant literary figure.
La Gerusalemme liberata è, per universale riconoscimento, il capolavoro del Tasso, un’opera tuttora capace di appassionare il lettore e di ispirare un’incessante bibliografia critica nonché una mirabile illustrazione pittorica e musicale. L’intreccio (e la contraddizione) fra norma sociale, morale religiosa e spirito di avventura, sviluppato attraverso straordinarie peripezie guerresche e amorose, permea questo poema in venti canti incentrato sulla prima crociata, sulla liberazione del Santo Sepolcro e su personaggi diventati immortali, come Goffredo di Buglione e Tancredi. L’opera è corredata da un puntuale e utile apparato di note.
Torquato Tassos Befreites Jerusalem, Teil 2, Torquato Tassos Befreites Jerusalem Teil 2
- 256 pages
- 9 hours of reading
Die zweite Ausgabe von Torquato Tasso's "Befreites Jerusalem" vertieft die epischen Themen des ersten Teils und beleuchtet den Kampf um Jerusalem während der Kreuzzüge. Die Charaktere entwickeln sich weiter, während sie sich Herausforderungen und inneren Konflikten stellen. Die poetische Sprache und die reichhaltigen Beschreibungen der Schlachten und der Spiritualität bieten einen tiefen Einblick in die damalige Zeit und die Ideale der Ehre und des Glaubens.
