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Orlando Furioso

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1532

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Book Brief

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Ludovico Ariosto

Orlando Furioso

Fiction | Novel/Book in Verse | Adult | Published in 1532
Book Details
Pages

630

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Charlemagne's Europe • Medieval

Publication Year

1532

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto is a chivalric romance set during the war between Emperor Charlemagne of France and Moorish King Agramant, centering on the knight Orlando who goes mad from unrequited love for the princess Angelica, while interwoven narratives follow other characters like Rinaldo, Bradamant, and Ruggiero through various adventures, rescues, and battles. This epic poem includes graphic violence, non-consensual situations, and intense emotional distress.

Fantastical

Adventurous

Romantic

Humorous

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.2

3,961 ratings

73%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto is heralded for its imaginative narrative, rich characterization, and intricate interweaving of multiple plotlines. Celebrated for its poetic mastery and influence on Western literature, it offers a vibrant depiction of chivalric romance. Some critics, however, find its length daunting and episodic structure disorienting. Overall, it remains a classic of epic poetry.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Orlando Furioso?

A reader who enjoys Orlando Furioso by Ludovico Ariosto likely has a passion for epic poetry, medieval romances, and intricate narratives filled with chivalry, magic, and adventure. Comparable to those entranced by The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri and Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes, they appreciate rich, imaginative tales interwoven with historical and fantastical elements.

4.2

3,961 ratings

73%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Orlando

The principal hero of the Carolingian legends and a paladin of Charlemagne, distinguished by his might in battle and wisdom before his descent into madness.

A Saracen champion descended from Hector of Troy, in love with Bradamant, and intricately connected with the mythic origins of the House of Este through his conversion and noble actions.

An English paladin, cousin to Orlando, known for his wide-ranging travels and reliance on magic and faith, rather than combat, to accomplish his adventures.

Son of Aymon and a key paladin of Charlemagne, known for his rivalry with Orlando in pursuing Angelica, and a prominent figure in French mythic cycles.

Daughter of the Emperor of Cathay, whose extraordinary beauty captivates numerous knights, possessing agency and magical means to navigate her perilous journey.

A Christian warrior-damsel and sister of Rinaldo, whose prowess in battle and conflict with traditional gender roles highlight her destined marriage to Ruggiero.

A formidable Saracen warrior-damsel who is the sister of Ruggiero, noted for her commitment to celibacy and for challenging gender norms within the narrative.

A sorceress of Mantuan origin, crucial to the prophecy concerning Bradamant's marriage, and a connector of chivalric traditions to present narratives through her magical interventions.

The King of Africa and leader of the Saracen forces against Charlemagne, portrayed as a strategic figure more active in warfare than Charlemagne himself.

An African king and chief Saracen champion, characterized by his unmatched malice and destructive force in the conflict against Charlemagne's forces.

Book Details
Pages

630

Format

Novel/Book in Verse • Fiction

Setting

Charlemagne's Europe • Medieval

Publication Year

1532

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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