'The book demands to be read by anyone, no matter what level of familiarity they already possess, with an interest in one of the world's most significant vernacular cultures. Such is the brilliance and newness of this volume, the effect is like reading Italian poetry for the very first time, and learning about how early literature was conceived, produced and consumed. A veritable gem.' Daragh O'Connell, Senior Lecturer in Italian, Director of Centre for Dante Studies in Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland