ROLAND FURIOUS.

In folio (42.5x 33cm). New edition half fawn leather with corners, gilt head spine with ribs, gilt title, gilt borders and fleurons in the boxes. Small traces of use.

Some foxing in the margin in the notice. Fresh interior. 642 pages + table. Engravings outside and in text in BW, G. Dorè.
Translated by A.J - Du pays. 1888. Hachette. Paris.
Roland furieux (in Italian Orlando furioso) is a chivalric epic written by the Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto (1474-1533).
First published in 1516, this work is one of the most famous of the Italian Renaissance and is a sequel to the Song of Roland as well as to the poem Orlando innamorato by Matteo Maria Boiardo. Ariosto develops and transforms the story of the knight Roland (or Orlando), who becomes "furious" through love for the beautiful princess Angelica.
The epic features extraordinary characters and adventures in a world of knights, sorcerers, magical creatures, and fantastic landscapes. Roland, a paladin in the service of Charlemagne, loses his mind when he learns that Angelica, with whom he is madly in love, has run away with another man. This love madness drives him to abandon his mission of defending Christianity against the Saracens and to wander like a madman, devastating everything in his path.
The work explores universal themes such as love, madness, heroism, war, and honor, but with a style that skillfully mixes humor, irony, and philosophical reflection. The final version of the work, published in 1532, contains 46 cantos in octosyllabic verse and is notable for its narrative complexity and numerous digressions.
Orlando furioso is recognized for its linguistic richness and its major influence on European literature, inspiring writers such as Cervantes, Spenser, Shakespeare and many others.

Gustave Doré.
Gustave Doré (1832-1883) was a French artist famous for his engravings, book illustrations, as well as his work as a painter and sculptor.
Considered one of the most influential illustrators of the 19th century.
He quickly became known for his exceptional talent as a draftsman and engraver, and his career took off when he began illustrating literary classics.
The striking play of light and shadow, and an ability to capture the emotion and atmosphere of the scenes he illustrated.

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Ref: 8G05AR64QJ