Torquato Tasso - Jérusalem délivrée - 1738

2 volumes in 1 volume, in-12, mottled calf (contemporary binding), external wear not serious, interior fresh, 501 pages (continuous pagination) - Pleasant copy.

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Presentation

The work tells of the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders during the First Crusade. Although inspired by historical facts, it continually blends history, heroism, love and elements of the marvelous.

The leader of the crusaders is Godfrey of Bouillon, presented as a model Christian chief. Around him orbit several characters who have become famous in European literature:

Tancredi, a brave Christian knight;
Clorinda, a Muslim warrior whom Tancred falls in love with;
Rinaldo, a fiery hero;
Armida, a magician who seduces Rinaldo.
Famous episodes

One of the best-known passages is the night duel between Tancred and Clorinda. Not recognizing her beneath his armor, Tancred mortally wounds her. It is only at the moment of her death that he discovers her identity and baptizes her according to her last wish. This scene is considered one of the most moving in Renaissance epic poetry.

Another famous episode tells how Armida holds Rinaldo in an enchanted garden, symbol of temptation and the abandonment of heroic duty in favor of pleasure.

Main themes
The conflict between love and duty.
Faith and the ideal of the crusade.
Chivalric heroism.
The struggle between reason and passion.
The marvelous Christian and magical.

Literary importance
Jerusalem Delivered is one of the great epic poems of the European Renaissance, often compared to Ludovico Ariosto's Orlando Furioso. Its influence was considerable on literature, painting and opera in the 17th and 18th centuries.

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2 volumes in 1 volume in-12, mottled calf (contemporary binding), external wear not serious, internal freshness, 501 pages (continuous pagination) - Nice copy.

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Layout

The work tells of the capture of Jerusalem by the Crusaders during the First Crusade. Although inspired by historical facts, it constantly mixes history, heroism, love and marvelous elements.

The leader of the Crusaders is Godfrey of Bouillon, presented as a model Christian leader. Around him revolve several characters who have become famous in European literature:

Tancredi, a brave Christian knight;
Clorinda, a Muslim warrior with whom Tancred falls in love;
Rinaldo, fiery hero;
Armida, the magician who seduces Rinaldo.
Famous episodes

One of the best-known passages is the night duel between Tancred and Clorinda. Not recognizing her under his armor, Tancred mortally wounds her. It is only at the moment of her death that he discovers her identity and baptizes her according to her last wish. This scene is considered to be one of the most moving in Renaissance epic poetry.

Another famous episode tells how Armida holds Rinaldo in an enchanted garden, symbol of temptation and the abandonment of heroic duty for the sake of pleasure.

Main themes
The conflict between love and duty.
Faith and the crusading ideal.
Chivalric heroism.
The struggle between reason and passion.
The marvelous Christian and magical.

Literary importance
Jerusalem Delivered is one of the great epic poems of the European Renaissance, often compared to Ludovico Ariosto’s Orlando Furioso. Its influence was considerable on literature, painting and opera in the 17th and 18th centuries.