 At the time of the coronation, the "Africa" consisted of just a few books (maybe four out of the nine written).Petrarch points out his work needed some final touches, because in the "Metrical Letter" at the coronation he wrote

"The little book itself, now growing bold,"
"Burns with desire to run and cast itself"
"Before those sacred feet,"
"and day and night,"
"pleads for release"


Petrarch speaks of other famous poets in his "coronation oration" ("privilegium laureationis")

Petrarch's reference to Livy places much value in the historical integrity of his "Africa" and sets the groundwork as being true past events.The main plot, being the ancient historical events of the Second Punic War, are taken directly from Livy's extensive Roman work of the "Foundation of the City" Books 21 to 30.