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.
Awards and Recognition
- A Stevereads Best Reprint Book of the Year
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 91ÌÒÉ« 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.
"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
"91ÌÒÉ«. . .have produced a book that’s both easy to read and truly delightful to handle and enjoy."—Terry Potter, The Letterpress Project
"Refreshing. . . . Above all, immensely readable. Add Roberto Abbiati’s wonderfully darksome illustrations, which manage to evoke medieval symbol while resisting kitsch, and you have the perfect edition for every new – or old – reader."—Fiona Sampson, The Tablet
"Simone Marchesi’s introduction provides an excellent overview of what is at stake in the poem, doing justice both to Dante world and to Singleton’s scholarly legacy."—John Walsh, Irish Catholic
"Like Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy can be read and embraced, as well as devoured and misconstrued, time and again (and again). But one thing’s for crystal clear certain:one never ultimately reaches a pristine conclusion. Let alone an end. And that is why this particular publication of The Divine Comedy, along with its excellent Introduction by Simone Marchesi and its glorious Illustrations by Roberto Abbiati is so necessary. And so very implicit to its understanding."—David Marx, David Marx Book Reviews
“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
This publication has been produced to meet accepted Accessibility standards and contains various accessibility features including concise image descriptions, a table of contents, a page list to navigate to pages corresponding to the print source version, and elements such as headings for structured navigation. Appearance of the text and page layout can be modified according to the capabilities of the reading system.
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WCAG level AA
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Table of contents navigation
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Single logical reading order
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Index navigation
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Epub Accessibility Specification 1.1
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ARIA roles provided
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All non-decorative content supports reading without sight
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No known hazards or warnings
