... to amass great wealth and a certain sense of self-confidence. The Italians, through organization and cleverness exploited their advantages, and by the high Middle Ages strong, wealthy and independent city-states, unlike the manors of Europe, had evolved. In addition, Italy was consistently exposed to not only the large-scale flow of goods, but also to new ideas and knowledge. It is important ... Sparse, a book of 366 sonnets most of them dedicated to his frustrated desire for a woman named Laura. Although he did not invent the sonnet, it can be found in 12th century Courtly Love poetry,...

• Word Count: 2254
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School