| This volume is essentially a 'love story' in praise of the maiden, Laura (possibly Laure de Noves) by Francesco Petrarca. Francis Petrarch was an Italian scholar who lived from 1304 to 1374. He is considered one of the driving forces of the Renaissance. Besides his Humanist essays and treatises, he wrote approximately 366 love sonnets devoted to his beloved "Laura". This volume, dating to 1564, was published in Venice, Italy by Nicolo Beuilacqua. The size of this book made it practical to carry around easily, and the sonnets inside could be read to one's loved one anywhere. As shown below, the book has beautifully marbled endpapers. |
| Below is the frontispiece for the second volume. |
