The Divine Comedy

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.

Author Biography

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.