Petrarch's Penitential Psalms and Prayers

Francesco Petrarca (1304–1374) was a scholar and poet of early Renaissance Italy. He is widely recognized as the "Father of Humanism" as he laid the foundation for Renaissance humanism, emphasizing the study of authors and thinkers from classical antiquity through the Middle Ages.Demetrio S. Yocum is senior research associate for the Notre Dame Center for Italian Studies. His most recent publications include his monograph Petrarch's Humanist Writing and Carthusian Monasticism, his co-edited volume At the Heart of Liturgy, and his translation Mary of Magdala: Revisiting the Sources.

• AcknowledgementsAbbreviations and Other Conventions1. Introduction2. A Note on the Translation3. Petrarch's Seven Psalms4. Petrarch's PrayersBibliographyIndex

"Both experienced and first-time readers will find the insightful explication of the text and the rich exploration of its cultural echoes in his commentary definitely rewarding." —Simone Marchesi, co-editor of The "Decameron" Ninth Day in Perspective"An important contribution to Petrarchan studies and to late medieval religious literature in general." —Christopher Kleinhenz, co-editor of Approaches to Teaching Dante's "Divine Comedy""Demetrio S. Yocum's Petrarch's Penitential Psalms and Prayers is a deeply learned, richly detailed and much needed translation of Petrarch's seven psalms and ten prayers. Sensitive to religious doctrine and Petrarch's humanist inclinations, Yocum displays a complete mastery of his subject. A superb book." —William P. Caferro, author of Petrarch's War"Precisely this humanistic, literary and poetic approach to religious and theological tradition is one that is often lacking as we reach the third millennium of the Christian faith." –Mayéutica