I would love for writers and readers to begin rediscovering Petrarch, who is woefully overlooked as, well, yes, the father of Renaissance Humanism (I love how we say this like a footnote, not anything at all radical), but mostly a religious sadsack making art of his spiritual and romantic despair. I am glad to hear he’s on your radar these days.

I want to take this opportunity to note publicly that Hesperus Press recently took Petrarch’s Secret Book out of print; it is a beautiful, complex, introspective book, and a real shame we can not longer purchase it for less than $100. My hope is that the academic community might begin to grumble enough that Hesperus decides to put it back into print.

Warmly,

Christina

Thank you a million times over for your insightful review of my book. I am humbled and gratified by your reading (and so GLAD to know that Spinoza came through for you, one of my faves…funny that Petrarch is there too, because he is much on my mind this season.)Such a singular and sometimes lonely thing, this poetry…so glad you are in the world, and reading it so well.

blessings,
Claudia K