The Divine Comedy

by Dante Alighieri; Musa, Mark (Translator); Musa, Mark (Editor)

• ISBN13: 9780142437223
• ISBN10: 0142437220
• Additional ISBN(s): 9780140444414
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• More Book Details

About This Book

The Divine Comedy: Volume 1: Inferno

ISBN: 9780142437223

About This Book

"The Divine Comedy: Volume 1: Inferno" is a foundational work in the realm of literature and poetry, written by the renowned Italian poet Dante Alighieri. This volume, part of the larger "Divine Comedy" trilogy, is a masterful narrative that explores the depths of hell, guided by the poet's own journey through the nine circles of the underworld.

Who Uses It?

Primarily, this book is used by students and scholars of literature, particularly those studying medieval Italian literature and the works of Dante Alighieri. It is also a valuable resource for anyone interested in classical poetry, literary analysis, and the historical context of medieval Europe. Educators teaching courses on Dante's works, Italian literature, and comparative literature often recommend this volume.

History and Editions

The translation of "Inferno" by Allen Mandelbaum was first published in 1980, but the specific edition with ISBN 9780142437223 is a paperback edition translated by Mark Musa and published in 2002 by Penguin Classics. This edition includes a bibliography and index, making it a comprehensive resource for readers.

Author and Other Works

Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was a prominent figure in Italian literature. His most famous works include "The Divine Comedy," which consists of three volumes: "Inferno," "Purgatorio," and "Paradiso." Other notable works by Dante include "La Vita Nuova" (The New Life) and "De vulgari eloquentia" (On Eloquence in the Vernacular).

Key Features

• Narrative Sequence: The book is structured as a series of 31 poems, each with its own narrative sequence, which together form a cohesive story about Dante's journey through hell.
• Cultural Significance: "Inferno" is celebrated for its poetic beauty and its exploration of themes such as sin, redemption, and the nature of evil.
• Historical Context: The work provides a unique window into medieval Italian society and culture.
• Educational Value: It is widely used in academic settings to teach about literary analysis, historical context, and the evolution of Western literature.

Detailed Information

ISBNs and Formats

• Paperback: ISBN-13: 9780142437223
• Other Editions:
• Hardcover: ISBN-13: 9780142437216 (Note: This might vary depending on the publisher's catalog)
• E-book: Available through various digital platforms (ISBNs may vary)

Publication Details

• Publisher: Penguin Classics
• Publication Date: December 31, 2002
• Number of Pages: Varies by edition but typically around 200 pages
• Language: English
• Item Weight: Approximately 0.67 lbs (0.30 kg)
• Dimensions: 7.72 x 5.05 x 0.78 inches (19.61 x 12.87 x 1.98 cm)

Other Editions and Formats

• Hardcover Edition: ISBN-13: 9780142437216 (Note: This might vary depending on the publisher's catalog)
• E-book Editions: Available through various digital platforms (ISBNs may vary)
• Related ISBNs:
• 9780142437216 (Hardcover)
• 9780142437230 (Other paperback editions)

This detailed information section provides a quick reference for all the available formats and sources for "The Divine Comedy: Volume 1: Inferno," making it easier to find and access the book in the preferred format.

Author Biography

Dante Alighieri (1265-1321) was born in Florence and belonged to a noble but impoverished family.

Mark Musa is Distinguished Professor of French and Italian at the Center for Italian Studies, Indiana University.