series
authors
data
Product: Book
ISBN-10: 0-451-52798-4
ISBN-13: 9780451527981
Publisher: Signet Classics
Country:
Year: June 1, 2001
Size: 10.41 x 17.27 x 1.52cm
Number of pages: 288
Weight: 23gr
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ISBN-10: 0-451-52798-4
ISBN-13: 9780451527981
Publisher: Signet Classics
Country:
Year: June 1, 2001
Size: 10.41 x 17.27 x 1.52cm
Number of pages: 288
Weight: 23gr
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
editions
Dante Alighieri, John D. Sinclair (translator)
Oxford University Press, USA; 1961
Paperback
Dante Alighieri, Ronald L. Martinez (introduction), Robert Turner (illustrator), Robert M. Durling (translator)
Oxford University Press, USA; 1996
Hardcover
Dante
University of California Press; 1980
Hardcover
Dante Alighieri, Barry Moser (illustrator), Allen Mandelbaum (translator)
Bantam Classics; 1982
Mass Market Paperback
Dante Alighieri, Anthony Esolen (illustrator), Gustave Dore (Illustrations) (translator)
Modern Library; 2002
Hardcover
Dante, Gustave Dore (illustrator), Anthony Esolen (translator)
Modern Library; 2003
Paperback
Kathryn Lindskoog (Eds.)
Mercer University Press; 1997
Hardcover
18.) Inferno
Dante Alighieri, Henry Francis Cary (translator)
American Classical College Press; 1985
Hardcover
Dante Alighieri, Peter Bondanella (introduction), Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (translator)
Barnes & Noble Classics; 2003
Paperback
Dante Alighieri
Wordsworth Editions; 1998
Paperback
Dante Alighieri, Laurie Anderson (reader), Alex Jennings (reader), Corin Redgrave (reader)
CSA WORD; 2008
Audio CD
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Product Description
Considered to be one of the greatest literary works of all time- equal only to those of Shakespeare-Dante's immortal drama of a journey through Hell is the first volume of his Divine Comedy. The remaining canticles, The Purgatorio and The Paradiso, will be published this summer in quick succession.
Considered to be one of the greatest literary works of all time- equal only to those of Shakespeare-Dante's immortal drama of a journey through Hell is the first volume of his Divine Comedy. The remaining canticles, The Purgatorio and The Paradiso, will be published this summer in quick succession.
reviews
A powerful translation of a masterpiece 
There have been several excellent translations of Dante in the past few years, all worth reading in their own right. But I retain a special affection for John Ciardi's version, as it's the first one I ever read, at the unprepared & overwhelmed age of 15. I knew of its reputation as a major classic & I was ignorant enough to be unfazed by the prospect of reading it. Well, to say that I was soon in over my head is an understatement! But Ciardi's fine, lyrical translation, as well as his extensive but always clear notes, enabled me to go on without drowning. And what a journey it was! At the time, I was simply dazzled by the invention & imagery of the work; now that I'm older, I can appreciate its many psychological & spiritual levels. Both the capstone of the Middle Ages & the gateway to the Renaissance, Dante's masterpiece is a stunning exploration of the religious & political world of its time. A lifetime of knowledge went into its creation, and every intricately woven thread of poetry shines like gold, without ever becoming pedantic. Whether you accept or reject a literal belief in God & Hell, the poem remains an astonishing revelation of & descent into the human psyche, the heart of darkness. Dante's insight that the damned have ultimately chosen their fate remains psychologically true today … how many people trapped in the private hells of their own lives have placed themselves there, bemoaning their fate while unable to find the courage or strength to escape it? But that's merely one level of meaning in this magnificent work. A visionary epic of learning, of faith, of poetry, it becomes deeper & richer with every new reading. If you don't know the original language, the next best thing is to read as many translations as possible –- and I still recommend Ciardi's as one of the best. This is an illumination of Hell that can't dim or fade with the years –- most highly recommended!
There have been several excellent translations of Dante in the past few years, all worth reading in their own right. But I retain a special affection for John Ciardi's version, as it's the first one I ever read, at the unprepared & overwhelmed age of 15. I knew of its reputation as a major classic & I was ignorant enough to be unfazed by the prospect of reading it. Well, to say that I was soon in over my head is an understatement! But Ciardi's fine, lyrical translation, as well as his extensive but always clear notes, enabled me to go on without drowning. And what a journey it was! At the time, I was simply dazzled by the invention & imagery of the work; now that I'm older, I can appreciate its many psychological & spiritual levels. Both the capstone of the Middle Ages & the gateway to the Renaissance, Dante's masterpiece is a stunning exploration of the religious & political world of its time. A lifetime of knowledge went into its creation, and every intricately woven thread of poetry shines like gold, without ever becoming pedantic. Whether you accept or reject a literal belief in God & Hell, the poem remains an astonishing revelation of & descent into the human psyche, the heart of darkness. Dante's insight that the damned have ultimately chosen their fate remains psychologically true today … how many people trapped in the private hells of their own lives have placed themselves there, bemoaning their fate while unable to find the courage or strength to escape it? But that's merely one level of meaning in this magnificent work. A visionary epic of learning, of faith, of poetry, it becomes deeper & richer with every new reading. If you don't know the original language, the next best thing is to read as many translations as possible –- and I still recommend Ciardi's as one of the best. This is an illumination of Hell that can't dim or fade with the years –- most highly recommended!
Visually captivating
Great translation, great story. I remember reading Inferno about 10 years ago and waking up in the middle of the night thinking about it. After re-reading it, the same visions repeated themselves. It's one of those books you'll never forget. Dante certainly had a vivid and tormented imagination.
Great translation, great story. I remember reading Inferno about 10 years ago and waking up in the middle of the night thinking about it. After re-reading it, the same visions repeated themselves. It's one of those books you'll never forget. Dante certainly had a vivid and tormented imagination.
very good 
I read this when I was 14 and it may seem strange, but I liked it very much. Of course it wasn't (in my opinion) 5 stars, I'd give it a worthy 4 1/2 (if I could). The book was very different from anything I've ever read (not surprising with what schools have to offer), I take it into my own hands to read what I find interesting, and I'm glad I read it. If your looking for anything out of your usual norm, you should give this book a try. *** John Ciardi's translation was excellent ***
I read this when I was 14 and it may seem strange, but I liked it very much. Of course it wasn't (in my opinion) 5 stars, I'd give it a worthy 4 1/2 (if I could). The book was very different from anything I've ever read (not surprising with what schools have to offer), I take it into my own hands to read what I find interesting, and I'm glad I read it. If your looking for anything out of your usual norm, you should give this book a try. *** John Ciardi's translation was excellent ***
tHE iNFERXON 
The book was in rather bad shape. With all the the writings, etc,. it made it hard to read. Would not order from this site again.
The book was in rather bad shape. With all the the writings, etc,. it made it hard to read. Would not order from this site again.
Nice balance
Choosing which translation of Dante's Divine Comedy to read is a very subjective and personal question. Any translation involves balancing the meaning, feel, and artistry of the work, normally at the expense of at least one of these qualities. A major consideration is the topic of rhyme. The Divine Comedy has a complex rhyme scheme that suits itself well to the rhyme-rich language of Italian (where, unlike English, many words end in vowels). Translations that attempt to maintain any type of rhyme scheme often sound forced and usually compromise the meaning of the text. At the other end of the spectrum are straight prose (spoken word) translations. Prose translations are great for communicating the story and it's nuances, however any poetical structure is lost. A third choice is a translation written in blank verse (iambic pentameter). This format allows freedom to communicate the work without rhyme, yet maintains a metrical structure. In addition, it's well suited for English (Shakespeare wrote much of his work in blank verse). So, which version should you read? I have no vested interested in selling a particular author's work, my recommendations are just my personal opinion. My favorite version is by Mark Musa (written in blank verse). I also enjoy Anthony Esolen's translation (blank verse with some rhyme). They also both have good notes (a necessity). Ultimately, it's great to read a few and decide which version you like best, each has strengths and weaknesses.
Choosing which translation of Dante's Divine Comedy to read is a very subjective and personal question. Any translation involves balancing the meaning, feel, and artistry of the work, normally at the expense of at least one of these qualities. A major consideration is the topic of rhyme. The Divine Comedy has a complex rhyme scheme that suits itself well to the rhyme-rich language of Italian (where, unlike English, many words end in vowels). Translations that attempt to maintain any type of rhyme scheme often sound forced and usually compromise the meaning of the text. At the other end of the spectrum are straight prose (spoken word) translations. Prose translations are great for communicating the story and it's nuances, however any poetical structure is lost. A third choice is a translation written in blank verse (iambic pentameter). This format allows freedom to communicate the work without rhyme, yet maintains a metrical structure. In addition, it's well suited for English (Shakespeare wrote much of his work in blank verse). So, which version should you read? I have no vested interested in selling a particular author's work, my recommendations are just my personal opinion. My favorite version is by Mark Musa (written in blank verse). I also enjoy Anthony Esolen's translation (blank verse with some rhyme). They also both have good notes (a necessity). Ultimately, it's great to read a few and decide which version you like best, each has strengths and weaknesses.
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Geoffrey Chaucer, Nevill Coghill (translator)
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Dante, Gustave Dore (illustrator), Anthony Esolen (translator)
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Dante, Gustave Dore (illustrator), Anthony Esolen (translator)
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© 1994–2010 Sascha Hendel
last update: 3/20/2010
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