Publisher's Synopsis
This study explores the evolving relationship between literature and music in 14th century Italy. The author begins with the works of Dante whose recognition of the extraordinary power of music to influence the human soul even led him to warn against the corruptive force of secular songs. Petrarch, instead, allowed this danger to fascinate him contemplating music's uncanny and diverse psychological effects. Finally, Boccaccio's Decameron acknowledges the inherent dignity of this art form within contemporary society's daily activities.
