Dante: Inferno

by Dante; Tom Simone

Publisher:

Focus Publishing

, 2007

Overview

Explore the writings of one of the most iconic poets of all time with this illustrated translation and commentary on the timeless classic, Dante’s Inferno. As Tom Simone observes in the preface, “The reading of a major classic text is a great challenge for any serious reader. Considerations of background, different natures of narrative, allusion, and all the peculiarities of any important text offer major obstacles and rewards to the new reader.” This resource will guide you through the obstacles straight to the deep rewards of reading this perennial masterpiece. Tom Simone’s introduction will orient you to Dante and his work, his commentary will offer literary insights, and the glossary will aid you as you learn about the various characters, places, and themes in Dante’s Inferno. Join the master poet Dante on his allegorical tour through the nine circles of hell and discover his profound religious commentary that has secured enduring influence and acclaim.

In the digital edition, this resource is enhanced by amazing functionality. Important terms, figures, and dates link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, timeline, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the classics with you. With Logos, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• General introduction providing the text’s historical background and subsequent influence
• English translation and commentary on Dante’s Inferno
• Glossary of characters, places, and concepts in Dante’s Inferno

Contents

Top Highlights

“the major Dantean theme of political corruption in Florence” (Page 59)

“The entire Comedy is thus powerfully paralleled to and modeled on the life of Jesus as the story of human limitation, restoration, and finally, triumph in the final presence of God.” (Page 11)

Praise for the Print Edition

Tom Simone’s translation is simply superb. Of all the translations with which I am familiar, this is the one that is the most faithful to what’s there in the Italian: no frills, no poetic sallies, no choosing a word because it brings the line closer to iambic pentameter—just unadulterated Dante with good old Anglo-Saxon words and in highly readable prose.

—Peter Kalkavage, St. John’s College, Annapolis, MD

Product Details

• Title: Dante: Inferno
• Authors: Dante Alighieri and Tom Simone
• Translator: Tom Simone
• Publisher: Focus Publishing
• Publication Date: 2007
• Pages: 284

About Dante Alighieri

Dante Alighieri (c. 1265–1321) was an influential medieval poet. His Divine Comedy is considered the greatest work of Italian literature. Dante was born in Florence, Italy. Much of what is known about him is gleaned from biographical inferences drawn out of his Divine Comedy. He was educated in Tuscan poetry, as well as Classical Latin writers, such as Cicero, Ovid, and Vergil. After the death of his beloved Beatrice Portinari, he retreated deep into Latin literature and philosophical studies.

About Tom Simone

Tom Simone has taught at the University of Vermont for more than thirty years. He is the author of books on Shakespeare and on the beginnings of the Western Tradition as well as numerous articles on Joyce, Beckett, Shakespeare on film, and the history of recorded classical music.