King Torrismondo

Maria Pastore Passaro is a member of the Modern Language Department at Central Connecticut State University and was appointed to the Yale/Mellon Visiting Faculty Program for 1996-7.

Tasso not only was one of the titans of Italian literature but also, through the 19th century, cast a large and impressive shadow across the literature of northern Europe. However, in the English-speaking world his classical tragedy King Torrismondo is almost unknown. Thanks to this dual-language edition that neglect may now be remedied. The translator wisely decided not to imitate strictly Tasso's seven- and 11-syllable lines or his rhymes, but instead to translate into prose "as rhythmical as accuracy and taste would allow"; the result is an English style that, like the Italian, is at once moving without being sentimental and noble without being stiff. This beautiful and powerful translation abounds in subtle and responsive perceptions and choices: it makes an excellent case for the work. Anthony Oldcorn's elegant introduction places King Torrismondo in the context of Tasso's life and work. Highly recommended for all academic libraries serving upper-division undergraduates and above. (—Choice)