The story of the Sicilian Vespers is a piece of history more thrilling than any historical novel. This is the first English translation of the chief chronicle of the uprising that changed the course of European and Mediterranean history. Written by a monk in the Sicilian vernacular around 1290, it is the earliest narrative in an Italian language, pre-dating by decades the better-known work of Dante and other writers. The colorful protagonist is John of Procida, one of the leaders of the revolt.
This book will appeal to students of medieval literature as well as history. In addition to the text in English and the original Sicilian, it contains lengthy commentary, a background chapter describing Sicilian history up to 1279 (when the chronicle begins), biographical sketches on the chief players, a chronology and useful maps. Also included is Ciullo of Alcamo’s poem The Dialogue, composed before 1240, and some poetry attributed to Frederick II (like the chronicle these are accompanied by the original Sicilian as well as English).
Enough material is included to make this a practical study guide on the War of the Vespers or a solid introduction to Medieval Sicilian, a language about which very little has been published in English.
The English publication of this work, an important if overlooked part of medieval Italian history and literature, is a long-awaited milestone.
