Italian Literature: A Treasure for Sant Jordi
As the favourite time of the year for readers in Barcelona, Sant Jordi, approaches, we want to share a selection of must-read books from Italian literature. Italian literature is renowned for its richness and diversity, offering glimpses into the daily life, history, and culture of Italy through its pages. Many of its authors, such as Dante Alighieri, Giovanni Boccaccio, and Umberto Eco, have been recognised and admired worldwide. Today, we present three classics of Italian literature that have influenced generations of writers and have been translated into numerous languages.
Divine Comedy - Dante Alighieri
The Divine Comedy is an epic poem written by Dante Alighieri in the 14th century. It is divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatory, and Paradise. In this poem, Dante narrates his journey through the infernal and celestial realms, describing the souls he encounters and reflecting on life, death, and human existence.
Considered one of the most important works of Italian literature, it was written in Italian instead of Latin, which was uncommon at the time. The work is filled with symbolism and allegories: hell represents sin, and purgatory represents forgiveness, for instance. Many writers and artists have made direct references to The Divine Comedy in their own works.
Decameron - Giovanni Boccaccio
The Decameron is a collection of one hundred tales written by Giovanni Boccaccio in the 14th century. This work is famous for its detailed depiction of life in medieval Italy and its representation of different social classes. Some of the themes it explores include love, religion, morality, and corruption.
Boccaccio’s writing style is accessible and entertaining, making The Decameron an enjoyable read for those who love medieval stories and historical themes. If you haven’t read these tales yet, now is a great time to discover them!
From Stupidity to Insanity - Umberto Eco
From Stupidity to Insanity is an essay by the celebrated Umberto Eco, in which he reflects on contemporary society and the future of humanity. Eco invites his readers to consider the importance of finding their own path in an increasingly complex and ever-changing society. Among his key insights are:
- Never losing sight of our values and principles, even in times of uncertainty.
- Always seeking the truth and not simply accepting what the media or social networks tell us.
- Keeping an open mind and being willing to learn from others.
- Accepting that change and adaptation are necessary to survive in a constantly evolving world.
Have You Read Any of These Books?
Which one is your favourite? Leave us your comments and share your thoughts!
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