"This book, by the renowned Petrarch scholar, remains an important basic study of the poetry, particularly of Laura. Bernardo discusses the major critics of Petrarch's Laura (DeSanctis, Croce), then devotes two chapters (26-87) to the figure of Laura in the Canzoniere and the Latin works. Seven chapters discuss the poetic image of Laura in the Triumphs, historically, critically, and contextually, the last focussing on Laura as nova figura, not allegory. It belongs in every library ad on every Petrarchist's shelf."

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The 'Canzoniere', a sequence of sonnets and other verse forms, were written over a period of about 40 years. They describe Petrarch's intense love for Laura, whom he first met in Avignon in 1327, and her effect on him after she died in 1348. The collection is an examination of the poet's growing spiritual crisis, and also explores important contemporary issues such as the role of the papacy and religion.