Vita Nuova: Poems of Youth (Penguin Classics) - Softcover

Alighieri, Dante

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140449477 ISBN 13: 9780140449471

Publisher: Penguin Classics, 2004

Synopsis

A unique treatise by a poet, written for poets, on the art of poetry, LA VITA NUOVA is elaborately and symbolically patterned, consisting of a selection of Dante's early poems, interspersed with his own prose commentary.

The poems themselves tell the story of his love for Beatrice, from their first meeting at a May Day party in her father's house, through Dante's sufferings and his attempts to conceal the true object of his devotion by the use of 'screen-loves', to his overwhelming grief ather death, ending with the transformative vision of her in heaven. These are some of the richest love poems in literature and the movement from self-pitying lament to praise for the beloved's beauty and virtue, illustrate the elevating power of love.

About this title

Review:

Some translators have been too academic, draining the vigor and wonder from this work but Slavitt's version stays true to the spirit...Considering all the books today about finding one's center in our crazy, image-driven culture, then, "La Vita Nuova"--especially in Slavitt's version--couldn't be more relevant.--Nick Owchar"Los Angeles Times" (09/12/2010)

The "Vita Nuova", Dante's first major work of certain attribution, is an original and sophisticated creation, too often cast aside as little more than a youthful prologue to the "Divine Comedy"...This handsome English edition of the "Vita Nuova" is translated by David R. Slavitt and prefaced by an engaging essay by Seth Lerer...Freed from the customary shackles of academic apparatus, the poetic quality of its lyrics freshly reinstated, the "Vita Nuova"'s signature hybrid texture is here elegantly conveyed.--Tristan Kay"Times Literary Supplement" (10/29/2010)

Graceful, readable, and just--David Slavitt's translation is a delicate and surprising achievement. This is another triumph for Slavitt, and a treat for the rest of us.--Henry Taylor

The "Vita Nuova," Dante's first major work of certain attribution, is an original and sophisticated creation, too often cast aside as little more than a youthful prologue to the "Divine Comedy."..This handsome English edition of the "Vita Nuova" is translated by David R. Slavitt and prefaced by an engaging essay by Seth Lerer...Freed from the customary shackles of academic apparatus, the poetic quality of its lyrics freshly reinstated, the "Vita Nuova"'s signature hybrid texture is here elegantly conveyed.--Tristan Kay"Times Literary Supplement" (10/29/2010)

About the Author:

Dante Alighieri was born in Florence in 1265 to a noble but impoverished family. His life was divided by political duties and poetry, the most famous of which - The Divine Comedy and La Vita Nuova - was inspired by his meeting with Bice Portinari, whom he called Beatrice. He died in Ravenna in 1321.
Before retiring Barbara Reynolds was Lecturer in Italian at Cambridge University. She holds 3 honorary doctorates & has translated Ariosto's Orlando Furioso for Penguin Classics.

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 0140449477
• ISBN 13: 9780140449471
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 112