Review
'The high-octane energy of Foscolo's prose is brilliantly captured by J.G. Nichol's translation''Through these intelligently and elegantly produced volumes, English-speaking readers have new access to two of Italy's greatest writers of the nineteenth century.' - TLS
Book Description
Written as an epistolary monologue, Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis is a compelling portrayal of a troubled mind. Published here for the first time in the English language, it is presented with Foscolo's highly acclaimed poem, Of Tombs. Banished from his homeland and from the woman he loves, Jacopo Ortis lives with the insufferable feelings of disillusionment and betrayal. Gone are his youthful dreams of literary glory, and in their place only his embittered laughter at fortune, at men, and at God. In the anguish of his state he feels himself compelled to make one final, titanic, and tragic gesture to the rulers of his age.
From the Publisher
Hesperus Press, as suggested by their Latin motto, Et remotissima prope, is dedicated to bringing near what is far—far both in space and time. Works by illustrious authors, often unjustly neglected or simply little known in the English–speaking world, are made accessible through a completely fresh editorial approach or new translations. Through these short classic works, which feature forewords by leading contemporary authors, the modern reader will be introduced to the greatest writers of Europe and America. An elegantly designed series of exceptional books.
From the Inside Flap
If someone should come and lay hands on my tomb and disturb my remains, dragging my ardent passions, my opinions, my crimes from the night in which they have been laid to rest, do not defend me, Lorenzo. In answer say only: ‘He was a man, and unhappy.'
About the Author
Ugo Foscolo is one of Italy's most famous and best-loved poets.
