Alessandro Bausani’s 1955 Italian translation of the Qur'an, Il Corano , is recognized as a definitive academic work that combines precise translation from Arabic with profound linguistic sensitivity and extensive critical commentary. The text remains highly sought after by students and researchers for its scholarly rigor and availability in digital formats, providing crucial insights into Islamic studies in the Italian language.
To appreciate the translation, one must first understand the polymath who created it. Alessandro Bausani (Rome, 1921 – 1988) was a titan of Oriental studies, celebrated as one of Italy's greatest scholars of Islam. His expertise spanned an astonishing range of fields: he was an Arabist, Iranist, historian of religions, glottothete, and even an Esperantist.
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Alessandro Bausani’s 1955 Italian translation of the Qur'an, often sought as Bausani Il Corano.pdf , remains a landmark in Islamic studies for its linguistic precision, poetic nuance, and academic neutrality. As a respected scholar, Bausani provided an authoritative, annotated translation that bridged theological gaps and serves as a vital resource for interfaith dialogue and comparative literature. For further in-depth exploration, research Bausani’s extensive scholarly commentaries and his broader academic contributions to Persian and Islamic studies. Share public link Alessandro Bausani (Rome, 1921 – 1988) was a
Bausani’s magnum opus is undoubtedly his translation and commentary of the Quran, first published in 1955 by Sansoni in Florence as part of the "Classici della Religione" series. This work was a landmark achievement, redefining how the Italian-speaking world could access and understand the sacred text of Islam. Bausani's edition is distinguished by its rigorous academic approach and a deep sensitivity to the original Arabic text. The volume was substantial, running to , and its very title—"Introduzione, traduzione e commento"—highlights its tripartite strength.
Alessandro Bausani (1921–1988) was one of Italy’s most eminent Islamicists, linguists, and historians of religion. His 1955 translation of the Qur’an, Il Corano , published by Sansoni (Florence) and later reissued by Rizzoli’s BUR series, remains a watershed in Italian Islamic scholarship. Unlike earlier Italian translations—which often relied on Latin, French, or Arabic intermediary texts and were filtered through confessional or apologetic lenses—Bausani’s version was the first direct, philologically rigorous Italian translation that deliberately foregrounded the literary and oral texture of the Arabic original. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted
What truly sets Bausani’s work apart is its extensive scholarly apparatus. The lengthy introduction—nearly eighty pages—provides a comprehensive entry point for the reader, covering the historical, geographical, and theological contexts of the revelations. It details the difference between the earlier, shorter "Meccan" surahs, which focus on the core tenets of faith, and the later "Medinan" surahs, which address the laws, social order, and communal life of the nascent Islamic community. His commentary, rich with footnotes and explanations, draws on traditional Islamic exegesis and modern scholarship, helping to clarify complex theological and legal matters.