Due to its geographic isolation, Iceland possesses the purest of Scandinavian cultures. Even after 11 centuries, the modern Icelandic language is closer to the speech patterns of the Middle Ages than any living European language. Brought to Iceland during the 9th century by the Vikings (who invaded Britain during that same period), the language also influenced the development of modern English. Thus, a knowledge of Icelandic language is highly relevant to the study of English and British history. This volume, reprinted from a rare edition, will be indispensable in the study of the prose and...

An exquisite medley of lyrical verse and poetic prose, La Vita Nuova (The New Life) ranks among the supreme revelations in the literature of love. Its allegorical view of the soul's crisis and growth combines a narrative with meditations, dreams, songs, and prayers.
In this masterpiece of his youth, Dante assembles a selection of his love poems within a prose framework that situates them chronologically and autobiographically. The result is a history of his love for Beatrice, the muse he encountered in childhood who continued to influence him long after her marriage and early...