Petrarch’s Canzoniere

Scattered Rhymes, a New Verse Translation

By: Francesco Petrarch

Narrated by: Ed Ashley

This is Petrarch for the modern ear. From the translator of a Dante edition that 'ranks with the very best available in English'.

Francesco Petrarch’s Canzoniere (translated in English as ‘Scattered Rhymes’) is a collection of 14th century poems famed for their exploration of love, grief, spirituality and nature. Peter Thornton's accessible new translation brings Petrarch to the 21st century in direct, rhymed, English verse - for academics and poetry enthusiasts alike.

Written over the course of forty years (approximately between 1328-1368), Petrarch's various poems often come back to Laura. He adores her in life and after her early death. His Canzoniere also serves as a valuable contemporary insight into 14th century religion and Christendom.

Petrarch’s work is one of civilization’s most immaculate achievements. Peter Thornton provides non-intrusive, insightful commentary and guidance through the text.

Public Domain (P)2022 Peter Thornton

Poetry read like prose

This reader does not understand how to read poetry. There is no sense of meter or rhyme. Not recommended.