The Divine Comedy

Composed in the early fourteenth century, this narrative poem follows Dante, lost in a dark wood, as the Roman poet Virgil leads him down through the nine circles of Hell and up the terraces of Mount Purgatory; Beatrice then guides him through the spheres of Paradise toward a vision of God. Each realm is filled with historical and legendary figures whose punishments, penances, or joys match their earthly loves and sins. The pilgrim questions, argues, and records what he sees in Italian verse of three-line stanzas. The work is a theological journey through the Christian afterlife, not a biography of its author.

Bound in blue cloth with a design in black and gold by Charles Foster. Pale blue endleaves. Pale grey slipcase.