Petrarch's Penitential Psalms and Prayers

Francesco Petrarca author Demetrio S Yocum editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:University of Notre Dame Press

Published:15th May '24

Should be back in stock very soon

Petrarch's Penitential Psalms and Prayers cover

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.

“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”


“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


"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

  • Winner of Aldo and Jeanne Scaglione Publication Award for a Manuscript in Italian Literary Studies 2023 (United States)

ISBN: 9780268207854

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 9mm

Weight: unknown

160 pages