Francesco Petrarch

1304–1374

Nationality: Italian

Historical Period: The Medieval Period

Francesco Petrarca was an Italian scholar and poet who is regarded by many scholars as being among the first humanists. He contributed to the Renaissance flowering of lyric poetry and literature through his poems addressed to Laura, his idealized beloved. Petrarch’s love of classical authors and learning inspired him to visit men of learning and search monastic libraries for classical texts. His discovery of several of Cicero’s letters encouraged the revival of the Ciceronian style that characterized Renaissance humanistic education.

Quotes from Francesco Petrarch:

• Francesco Petrarch on the mercenary wars in Italy and the need for peace on earth
• With the return of spring the memories of Petrarch’s beloved Laura awaken a new pang in him

Titles from Francesco Petrarch:

• Author: Fifteen Sonnets of Petrarch
• Author: Some Love Songs