Now I must admit my reason for purchasing this version of la Divina Commedia was solely because of the alluring charm and ineffable beauty of the cover, and on that note, it did not disappoint. Now this is not to say I have not read the Wordsworth translation, which I have, and it is superb in itself, but I would recommend those new to the Comedy to purchase a cheaper edition of the Wordsworth translation first, or even better, borrow one from a friend or local library. If enjoyed, then purchase this paragon of beauty and keep it unspoiled. For those studying the Comedy however, I would HIGHLY suggest the verse translation of the Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso by Robert & Jean Hollander, for an analytical study of the Comedy, there are no rivals.
The paper quality of the book is first-rate, bar none. The book opens with an Introduction to the Comedy, covering the history of the work and its author, Dante, as well as a short Chronology of the Inferno itself, the cosmology of the Earth and hell, the theology of the Comedy, and a short history of Translation. It is also packed full of delightful illustrations.
An earlier reviewer stated that the Comedy was translated into Old English, to correct this view, it is not. The translation by Wordsworth is into what is considered Modern English.
Everybody who shares my affection for the Comedy should in my opinion, own a copy of this Leather-bound edition by B&N.
If you made it to the end of my review, then thank you most dearly for reading and I wish you all well.
Liam.
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This is an edit to my review for the Kindle Edition. The above is for the Barnes & Nobles Leatherbound.
For those interested in purchasing the cheap Kindle edition, at 70 pence - save your money. It is a terrible version of Longfellows translation, spaces are often missed out and the lay of the text is terrible.
For instance, this is the first couple of lines exactly how they show in the Kindle edition
"Midway upon the journey of our lifeI found myself
within a forest dark. For the straightforward
pathway had been lost.
Ah me! how hard a thing it is to sayWhat was this
forest savage, rough, and stern, Which in the very
thought renews the fear"
As you can see, the lay out is terrible.