Petrarch and the Literary Culture of Nineteenth-Century France

This book examines Petrarch's influence on French literature in the 19th century, exploring questions of identity and cultural appropriation.

In Petrarch and the Literary Culture of Nineteenth-Century France, the author delves into the complex influence of Petrarch on French literature, particularly focusing on how he was appropriated by the Avignonese. The text examines whether Petrarch can be considered French, exploring the varied responses from French readers and translators during the 19th century. This era, rich in Petrarchism, is often overshadowed by earlier developments, yet it reveals significant insights into the poet's enduring legacy.

The book highlights both translations of Petrarch's celebrated Italian poetry and his often-overlooked Latin works, as well as the rewritings that showcase his impact on French novels and poetry of the time. Key figures such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and the abbé de Sade are discussed as pivotal influences that shaped the French interpretation of Petrarch. Additionally, the unification of Avignon with France during the Revolution and the commemorations of Petrarch's birth and death are explored as cultural contexts that enriched this literary dialogue.

Ultimately, Petrarch and the Literary Culture of Nineteenth-Century France navigates the tensions between a national French identity and the local Avignonese or Provençal heritage of the poet. By using Petrarch as a lens, the book raises important questions about nationality, identity, and the concept of belonging, offering a nuanced perspective on the reception of literary figures across time and culture.