First Italian Reader: A Dual-Language Book - Paperback

Dual-Language Italian Reader for Language Students

This bilingual anthology serves as a comprehensive introduction to Italian literature spanning six centuries, from the 1300s to the 1920s. Edited by Stanley Appelbaum, this reader presents original Italian texts alongside expert English translations on facing pages, allowing students to engage directly with unmodified literary works.

Authentic Literary Selections

The collection features fifty-five Italian authors including Dante, Boccaccio, and Pirandello. Excerpts include poetry, fiction, historical writing, and philosophy. Readers encounter the original language of The Decameron, The Prince, and Pinocchio, along with works by figures renowned in other fields such as Michelangelo and Galileo. All selections appear in their original, unadulterated form—not simplified or retold. This approach provides direct access to authentic Italian prose and verse as written by the masters.

Designed for Intermediate Students

A solid background in Italian grammar is necessary for full appreciation of the original texts. The parallel format allows students to compare their comprehension against professional translations, making this an effective tool for developing reading proficiency. This self-contained anthology works equally well for independent study or classroom use. The chronological arrangement provides a structured survey of Italian literary development across six centuries.

Literary and Historical Range

The anthology covers the full spectrum of Italian literary achievement from the fourteenth to the twentieth centuries. Students explore medieval poetry, Renaissance prose, Enlightenment philosophy, and modern drama within a single volume. This reader offers exposure to Italy's cultural legacy through primary sources rather than secondary commentary. Each selection demonstrates the evolution of the Italian language and literary style across historical periods.

About the Editor

Stanley Appelbaum served as Dover's Editor in Chief until his retirement in 1996. He continues to work as a selector, compiler, editor, and translator of literature in Spanish, Italian, French, German, and Russian.