May I just say, I'm still waiting for my copy, but I have to agree with the fact that Dante's old version of Italian would be difficult to understand. We are talking about a language that has been the birth for so many, and has evolved in the last 7 or so centuries.
Shakespeare himself is at a more recent era, and is still difficult to understand to the fullest.
I looked at the "look inside" function, and I was really pleased with the way the book is presented, and how even after translation it kept the simple yet effective way to catching my attention and making me read more.
The book might actually get here a few days before expected, and I am very pleased with that