Italy possesses one of the richest and most influential literatures of Europe, stretching back to the thirteenth century. This first substantial history of Italian literature to appear in the English language for forty years provides a comprehensive survey of Italian writing from its earliest origins up to the present day. Leading scholars describe and assess the work of writers who have contributed to the Italian literary tradition, including Dante, Petrarch and Boccaccio, the Renaissance humanists, Machiavelli, Ariosto and Tasso, pioneers and practitioners of commedia dell'arte and opera, and the contemporary novelists Calvino and Eco. The Cambridge History of Italian Literature sets out to be accessible to the general reader as well as to students and scholars: translations are provided, along with a map, chronological chart and up-to-date and substantial bibliographies.

‘There is no doubt that the present splendid volume … is likely to remain unrivalled for many years to come for width of coverage, richness of detail, and elegance of presentation.’

Source: Modern Language Review

‘Admire the scholarship that gives the general reader an accessible but substantial history of Italian literature from its beginnings right up to Umberto Eco and Antonio Tabucchi.’

Source: The Guardian

‘All 19 authors write interestingly, even entertainingly. Their individual judgements and opinions are well grounded and well argued. I have rarely found an academic work so very easy and pleasant to read, and so immediately convincing … Editors, authors and Cambridge University Press alike have every right to be proud of their immaculate creation, surely bound to become a standard work of reference.’

Source: Reference Reviews

‘The emphasis falls on providing clear, succinct exposition, with interpretation and commentary of the sort that will win the consent of the professionals and provide valid orientation for the student.’

Source: The Times Literary Supplement

‘Some of the top Italian scholars from Britain, America and Australia have combined to write a truly historical and detailed survey of Italian literature … providing accurate information, valid and well-documented historical and critical assessments, select but essential bibliographies and a valuable chronology setting political, literary and other cultural events (cinema included) in their framework … This History, thanks to its lucidity, its accuracy and the thoroughness of its information, is now, and will remain for many years to come, the outstanding medium for the diffusion across the world of the great spiritual heritage which Italian letters have bequeathed to civilisation.’

Source: Il Sole 24 Ore: Domenica

‘ … a welcome addition to Italian studies … The helpful map of Italy, the copious selected bibliography of English and Italian work are the final touches ensuring that this work long will remain an invaluable guide for its primary audience, the English-speaking academic and general reader.’

Source: Choice

‘Anyone who is teaching, or taking survey courses on the history of Italian literature or on Italian culture and civilisation, in English, will greatly appreciate having an anthology that covers not only the major authors but also the principal literary and artistic currents … an indispensable tool … both teachers and students who need to study authors and major works from the days of Frederick the II (in the 1200s) to the present. … Readers will appreciate the concise but highly informative Chronology Tables (twelve pages) that serve as a guide and as a historical and cultural frame for the anthology. Moreover, the sixty-seven pages of bibliography that accompany the anthology should also prove to be of great help in suggesting further readings for undergraduate students … One should expect to find the volume in every library.’

Source: World Literature Today

‘ … a must for specialists and all reference libraries.’

Source: Biblothèque d’Humanisme et Renaissance