Petrarch (1304 – 1374), also known as Francesco Petrarca, was an Italian poet, scholar, and humanist. Although he studied law at the University of Montpellier, his true interest was in writing and literature. While on diplomatic travels for the Church he collected many old Latin manuscripts which recovered knowledge that might otherwise have been lost. His extensive writings were mostly in Latin: essays, letters, and poetry, but he is best remembered for his Italian poetry, especially the Canzoniere (Songbook) and the Trionfi (Triumphs).

Quotes by Petrarch…