Orlando Innamorato

Knowing the history of this book, or rather this Italian Romance, it is sad that it has been forgotten by many and only recently translated. I'm not sure I've ever read a "classic" or "great book" which was more outright fun and entertaining than this one. The legend of Orlando and Ranaldo and others is hilarious almost as often as it is heroic. The interactions portrayed between Christendom and the Islam and Pagan world is fascinating and I think unique as with the portrayal of women as several times displaying equal prowess with the men. You can't find half the magic, power, love, or enchantments in King Arthur as you can in Orlando. The fights and wars and adventures are really fantastic or at least on par with the various Arthurian tales I have read before. This is a must read for anyone who has enjoyed King Arthur, fantasy novels (as this seems to be the archetype), or those interested in a oft-forgetten classic of Christendom and the west.

One of the undisputed achievements in the shamefully short history of translating the Italian epic romances into English is Ross' translation of Boiardo's "Orlando Innamorato." This translation was originally published (hardcover only) by the University of California Press in its Biblioteca Italiana series. Then, Oxford University Press published an abridged paperback version in its World's Classics series. Now, Parlor Press offers both a complete paperback and an e-book version. Note that the Parlor Press edition is an *unabridged* edition that incorporates the maps of the Oxford edition, as well as offering a newly revised translation. Readers in English are now, possibly for the first time in history, adequately equipped to read the major Italian epic romances in complete, readable, even admirable English translations: * For Pulci's "Morgante," we have Tusiani's massive translation, generously offered by Indiana University Press as a handsome, unabridged paperback. * For Ariosto's "Orlando Furioso," we have the choice of Waldman's eminently readable prose translation, in one volume in Oxford UP's World's Classics series, or Barbara Reynolds' popular two-volume verse translation in the Penguin Classics series. * For Tasso's "Jerusalem Delivered," we have Esolen's recent, critically acclaimed translation, published by Johns Hopkins UP. * For Boiardo's "Orlando Innamorato," we of course have this outstanding contribution from Ross. I can only express my gratitude to these scholar-translators, whose indefatigable work in translating these Carolingian epics has given me access to a wonderfully rewarding, indisputably major piece of Western literature. I understand that Ross is currently working on a translation of Statius' epic poem "The Thebaid," to be published by Johns Hopkins, and that Esolen is contemplating undertaking a new translation of Camoes' "The Lusiads," which is quite possibly the most neglected *major* epic in Western literature. I look forward to both these editions, and again -- thanks.

Parlorpress.com is going to put out a new and full translation in the Fall of 2003. I like this abridged edition for my pocket version. I enjoyed starting from this book to see if the tales also had anything to do with Estensi/Ferarra history...and find it was written as a pleasant pastime for the recovering Duke Ercole...'read slowly on a sunny summer day in a room full of open windows...' Charles Ross did wonderful research. I have seen commentary by C.S. Lewis on Boiardo and the epic tale and read Fortune and Romance essays edited by JoAnne Cavallo. But C.Ross is excellent for a short history of the time, as well. For independent background on the D'Estensi (D'Este family) and interaction from Feltrino Boiardo (grandfather) to Matteo Maria, these texts are also good: Edmund Gardner's Dukes and Poets of Ferarra; Ferarra the Style of Renaissance Depotism by Werner L. Gundersheimer and Leon Battista Alberti: Master Builder by Anthony Grafton (not much in this title about Boiardo: I used it to confirm or reference related information on Ferarra). The Boiardo information from Edmund Gardner's book is also still cited by literature scholars, from what I've seen.

Orlando Innamorato is an absolutely beautiful story. It is in the same style as Orlando Furioso (by Ariosto), which is its sequel. We follow Charlemagne's paladins as they traverse the world, pagan and Christian, looking for adventure, fame, and especially love. The Saracen princess Angelica has captured the heart of the brave and chivalrous Orlando and he will do anything to earn her love. The only problem is that she remains uninterested. It also seems that nearly every knight in the Christian and Saracen world desires her too! The Christians and Muslims are almost constantly at war, so this is another obstacle in the way of poor, lovesick Orlando. With this premise, Boiardo narrates a story of epic proportions that is enchanting, funny, exciting, and always beautiful. He combines irony, allegory, romance, chivalry and much more to create a masterpiece. The stories contained are similar to the Arthurian legends, but are, in my opinion, livelier and more exciting. I agree with C.S. Lewis when he wrote: "Our oblivion of these poets (i.e. Boiardo and Ariosto) is much to be regretted...because it robs us of a whole species of pleasures and narrows our very conception of literature." This edition is beautifully rendered into verse, but it is abridged. The complete poetic text of the story is not present. However, the translator always summarizes (in narrative form) those parts he leaves out. There is also a useful introduction and extremely helpful annotations that explain difficult passages in the story. I highly recommend this book, especially if you are a fan of Orlando Furioso or Pulci's Morgante.