Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento
The Complete Poems of Meo dei Tolomei, Cecco Nuccoli, and Marino Ceccoli
By Fabian Alfie | Publisher: University of Notre Dame Press
About the book
Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento explores same-sex desire in the work of three skilled medieval Italian poets, bringing their verse and expression to English readers.
Thirteenth- and fourteenth-century Italy produced a wide range of literature, from the courtly love of the Sicilian School, to the spiritualized love of the dolce stil nuovo and Dante, to the comic poetry that flourished with authors such as Cecco Angiolieri and Folgore da San Gimignano. Author Fabian Alfie, through his translations of these poets, shows how this cultural context allowed three medieval Italian poets—Meo dei Tolomei, Cecco Nuccoli, and Marino Ceccoli—to openly discuss their sexual relationships with other men in their own poetic verse. These three poets adapted the languages of comic literature and courtly love to the new topic of homoeroticism. The result is a unique form of poetics that blended traditional expressions with innovative material.
While homoerotic subtexts in the canonical works are often highlighted in the scholarship, the expression of same-sex desire ran deeper and was more prominent than in those works alone. For these poets, same-sex desire is not the subtext to their verse—it is the text itself. Through their poems, presented in facing Italian/English format, we are given a glimpse into the range of sexual attraction available to men in medieval Italy.
Editions of Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780268210588
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780268210595
- EBook
- ISBN 9780268210601
Read an Excerpt
Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento explores same-sex desire in the work of three skilled medieval Italian poets, bringing their verse and expression to English readers.
Thirteenth- and fourteenth-century Italy produced a wide range of literature, from the courtly love of the Sicilian School, to the spiritualized love of the dolce stil nuovo and Dante, to the comic poetry that flourished with authors such as Cecco Angiolieri and Folgore da San Gimignano. Author Fabian Alfie, through his translations of these poets, shows how this cultural context allowed three medieval Italian poets—Meo dei Tolomei, Cecco Nuccoli, and Marino Ceccoli—to openly discuss their sexual relationships with other men in their own poetic verse. These three poets adapted the languages of comic literature and courtly love to the new topic of homoeroticism. The result is a unique form of poetics that blended traditional expressions with innovative material.
While homoerotic subtexts in the canonical works are often highlighted in the scholarship, the expression of same-sex desire ran deeper and was more prominent than in those works alone. For these poets, same-sex desire is not the subtext to their verse—it is the text itself. Through their poems, presented in facing Italian/English format, we are given a glimpse into the range of sexual attraction available to men in medieval Italy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento about?
Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento explores same-sex desire in the work of three skilled medieval Italian poets, bringing their verse and expression to English readers.
Thirteenth- and fourteenth-century Italy produced a wide range of literature, from the courtly love of the Sicilian School, to the spiritualized love of the dolce stil nuovo and Dante, to the comic poetry that flourished with authors such as Cecco Angiolieri and Folgore da San Gimignano. Author Fabian Alfie, through his translations of these poets, shows how this cultural context allowed three medieval Italian poets—Meo dei Tolomei, Cecco Nuccoli, and Marino Ceccoli—to openly discuss their sexual relationships with other men in their own poetic verse. These three poets adapted the languages of comic literature and courtly love to the new topic of homoeroticism. The result is a unique form of poetics that blended traditional expressions with innovative material.
While homoerotic subtexts in the canonical works are often highlighted in the scholarship, the expression of same-sex desire ran deeper and was more prominent than in those works alone. For these poets, same-sex desire is not the subtext to their verse—it is the text itself. Through their poems, presented in facing Italian/English format, we are given a glimpse into the range of sexual attraction available to men in medieval Italy.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism > Literary studies: general > Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval
Where can I read a sample of Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780268210588
Is Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series The William and Katherine Devers Series in Dante and Medieval Italian Literature
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento?
Fabian Alfie
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780268210588) and paperback(ISBN 9780268210595) and ebook(ISBN 9780268210601)
Where can I buy Homoerotic Poets of the Italian Trecento online or support local independent bookshops?
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