The Divine Comedy
(eBook)

For the first time in one volume, the most elegant and accessible translation of Dante's enduring masterpiece Charles Singleton's English-language translation of The Divine Comedy is widely considered to be one of the finest renderings of Dante's masterpiece. Singleton's prose is both faithful and scholarly, and sensitive to the subtle nuances of meaning and richness of reference in Dante's epic poem. Here for the first time is the single-volume edition of Singleton's celebrated translation. This beautifully illustrated book brings together all three volumes of Dante's poem, describing his travels down to the circles of Hell, up over the mountain of Purgatory, and his ultimate ascension through the celestial spheres of Paradise. Dante's divine tour provides a timeless allegory for the journey of one's soul toward union with God. Featuring an incisive introduction by Simone Marchesi, a glossary, and stunning illustrations by acclaimed artist Roberto Abbiati, this handsome edition of The Divine Comedy introduces a new generation of readers to what is perhaps the preeminent achievement of Italian literature. Charles S. Singleton (1909-1985) was professor of humanistic studies at Johns Hopkins University and a world-renowned scholar of medieval literature. Simone Marchesi is professor of French and Italian at Princeton University. His books include Dante and Augustine: Linguistics, Poetics, Hermeneutics. Roberto Abbiati is an artist, actor, and book designer. His books include illustrated editions of Herman Melville's Moby-Dick and Jules Verne's Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Seas. "One cannot but be grateful for Singleton's great achievement."-Speculum "A valuable possession for all Dantisti."-Renaissance Quarterly "Singleton's edition of the Divine Comedy will certainly be the edition for readers in English. The translation is much the most satisfactory one I know."-Francis Fergusson "A handsome volume. . . . A commemorative edition of a work by an important contributor to the afterlife of Dante's poem in contemporary America."---Andrew Frisardi, Wall Street Journal "Impressive. . . .Beautifully produced."---Alan Price, London Grip "Princeton University Press. . .have produced a book that's both easy to read and truly delightful to handle and enjoy."---Terry Potter, The Letterpress Project