Stories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 2

"Stories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 2" by Leigh Hunt is a journey through the world of Italian poetry, offering both analysis and retellings of famous stories. Hunt focuses on poets like Boiardo, Ariosto, and Tasso, exploring their lives and the big ideas in their poems, especially the mix of love, bravery, and exciting adventures. The volume begins by looking at Matteo Maria Boiardo, a poet and nobleman, and how he managed to be both a writer and a public figure. Hunt looks at Boiardo's life, explaining how his wealth and education helped him in his career and in poetry. Then, the story moves to Boiardo's unfinished poem, "Orlando Innamorato," about the love between Orlando and Angelica, and the challenges different characters face in a world of magic and quests, leading to a better appreciation of Boiardo and his impact on Italian literature and traditions of chivalry.