Tullia d'Aragona fu una figura di spicco del Rinascimento italiano le cui ricerche letterarie e intellettuali sfidarono le norme sociali. Come celebre cortigiana, coltivò un sofisticato salotto che attirò le principali menti filosofiche e letterarie dell'epoca. Il suo coinvolgimento in questi circoli favorì la sua nascente carriera di scrittrice, segnata da contributi illuminanti al discorso intellettuale. Attraverso la sua posizione unica e il suo acuto intelletto, d'Aragona si ritagliò uno spazio significativo nel vivace panorama culturale del suo tempo.
First published in Venice in 1547, this work casts a woman rather than a man as the main disputant on the ethics of love. Tullia d'Aragona argued that the only moral form of love between a woman and a man is one that recognizes both the sensual and the spiritual needs of humankind.
Written in Ottava Rima by Signora Tullia d'Aragona, a Work in Which One May See and Learn to Know the Main Parts of the Whole World, Along with Many Other Very Pleasant Things, Which Will Be Extremely Welcome to Every Kind of Intelligent Reader.
This bilingual edition presents Tullia d'Aragona's groundbreaking epic poem, the first by an Italian woman, exploring themes of identity and adventure. Set against the backdrop of the 16th century's historical and religious shifts, it follows Guerrino, a nobleman enslaved by pirates, on his quest to find his parents. His journey takes him through various cultures and fantastical challenges, reflecting the evolving literary landscape influenced by Ariosto's works. This poem is significant in the epic genre and paved the way for future female authors.