Dorothy L. Sayers's landmark translation follows Dante's terza rima stanza's and brings his poetry vividly to life. Her work was completed a...
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Jan 30, 2012
Manny
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For the Celebrity Death Match Review Tournament, The Complete Tales and Poems of Winnie-the-Pooh versus The Divine Comedy
My propositions are elucidatory in this way: he who understands me finally recognizes them as senseless, when he has climbed out through them, on them, over them. (He must so to speak throw away the ladder, after he has climbed up on it.) He must surmount these propositions; then he sees the world rightly.One by one, all the other animals had l More...
- Ludwig Wittgenstein
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Jan 09, 2010
Shawn
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Something about this passage gets me. I always come back to it. Sad and beautiful. Dante asks a woman in the lowest rung of Paradise - the moon - if she doesn't hanker to go higher:
"A smile at this
Lightened her eyes, and those who crowded near
Smiled with her. Then she spoke, and all the bliss
Of Love's first flame, it seemed, was hers to sing,
She was so joyous in her answering.
"Brother, the quality of our Love doth still
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"A smile at this
Lightened her eyes, and those who crowded near
Smiled with her. Then she spoke, and all the bliss
Of Love's first flame, it seemed, was hers to sing,
She was so joyous in her answering.
"Brother, the quality of our Love doth still
More...
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Jan 09, 2010
Michael
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Jan 09, 2010
Admonit
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Exalted to the fifth heaven, Dante wrote:
And here my memory defeats my wit:
Christ’s flaming from that cross was such that I
can find no fit similitude for it…
my seeing Christ flash forth undid my force.
(Paradiso XIV: 103-105, 108)
This is the central contradiction of Paradiso and other visionary works: the supra-sensory vision of Christ is beyond language, yet the mystic poet inscribes ineffability.
Ecstatic experience is beyond comprehension. The More...
And here my memory defeats my wit:
Christ’s flaming from that cross was such that I
can find no fit similitude for it…
my seeing Christ flash forth undid my force.
(Paradiso XIV: 103-105, 108)
This is the central contradiction of Paradiso and other visionary works: the supra-sensory vision of Christ is beyond language, yet the mystic poet inscribes ineffability.
Ecstatic experience is beyond comprehension. The More...
Jan 09, 2010
Jon
rated it:
Finished my slow reading of the Paradiso on the last day of the year, which somehow seems appropriate. The Hollander translation seems excellent, and the notes, while far too detailed in their summary of all earlier commentaries, pretty much answer most of my questions. Now to go back to the Inferno and start my repeated rereading of the Commedia, this time in this translation. Somehow I remain convinced that if I just read it one more time, I'll understand everything, if only for 15 minutes.
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Aug 08, 2011
Bev
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I have now made the journey to Hell and back and up to Paradise with Dante. Just finished the last volume of Dorothy L Sayers' translation of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. This is a beautiful journey that takes the soul from the confrontation of sin (Hell) to remorse, repentance, and penance for sin (Purgatory) to absence of sin and ability to enter into the divine presence (Paradise). This final installment of the Comedy was both a quicker read and a bit of a disappointment. There were long
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Jul 16, 2010
Felonious
rated it: 
The Paradiso is the last volume of Dante's Divine Comedy (which includes The Inferno, The Purgatorio and The Paradiso). The Divine Comedy was written between 1308 and 1320. The Paradiso is Dante's ascent through heaven. Dante's vision of heaven (and God) is so poetically beautiful and well done that much of today's Christian belief is steeped in The Paradiso. In fact all the volumes of The Divine Comedy lends some basis for the Christian beliefs of the afterlife.
Like the first 2 volu More...
Like the first 2 volu More...
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Jan 09, 2010
John
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To the cry of "Gloria in excelsis," the purged soul ascends from Mt. Purgatory to paradise. Dante's masterpiece of extra-canonical theology completes with his distinctly transcendent view of heaven.
Dorothy L. Sayers's verse translation and notes bring the poet's cantos into an unrelentingly worthy English rendition.
Dorothy L. Sayers's verse translation and notes bring the poet's cantos into an unrelentingly worthy English rendition.
Jan 09, 2010
sarah
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this book is incredibly intimidating. but after reading the vita nuova and the other two books in the divine comedy, paradiso is literally the coup de grace, in the most beautiful and beatific way possible.
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Aug 08, 2011
I've read Dorothy L Sayers' Inferno & Purgatorio. Originally I found her use of language somewhat inaccessible and a bit self-indulgent, but then I really warmed to it, and very much enjoyed, e.g., her use of alliteration to set scenes, and to give some real 'movement' to the writing.
The Musa translation of Paradiso didn't do it for me at all. It's not in rhyming verse, and, after a few cantos (canti?),I found myself reading the explanatory notes, just to see Who was Who, although I would have More...
The Musa translation of Paradiso didn't do it for me at all. It's not in rhyming verse, and, after a few cantos (canti?),I found myself reading the explanatory notes, just to see Who was Who, although I would have More...
Aug 25, 2011
Having taught Inferno for many years, I thought it was about time I made the rest of the journey, instead of leaving Dorothy Sayers's translation in its pristine condition on my shelf. Because she reproduces the terza rima, the translation can be cumbersome, but the explanatory notes make up for that. I was relieved to discover that Dante apparently thought better of his position in Inferno that the only good pre-Christians in Heaven could be those whom Christ personally saved in the Harrowing o
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May 02, 2011
Julia
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This is supposed to be the boring one, where Virgi leaves and the saintlyBeatrice takes over. It might not be as exciting as the others, but in terms of imagination, theology and religious symbolism this might be the best one. I was amazed at Dante's ability to describe something and make us understand something that he could not by his own admission either describe or understand. This paradox of the work mde it a fascinating and enjoyable read. Having read this, another thing that I find st
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Mar 18, 2010
Melanie
rated it: 
I listened to this book on CD instead of actually reading it. The version that I had had an explination at the beginning of each verse to help you understand and then read the verse.
In this book, you travel with Dante as he assins to Heaven through the skies.
I really did not liked this book. There is a lot of astrology in this book (which I did not expect). I did not really understand this book (I have several people tell me that I understand the other two parts of Th More...
In this book, you travel with Dante as he assins to Heaven through the skies.
I really did not liked this book. There is a lot of astrology in this book (which I did not expect). I did not really understand this book (I have several people tell me that I understand the other two parts of Th More...
May 21, 2010
Stephen
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This may seem a bit harsh, but I've been waiting for this book to come out for I don't even know how many years, and then when it comes, the graphic design of the cover and the spine doesn't match the other two volumes. Why would you do that? It seems idiotic. More that it seems idiotic though, does it seem like common sense that once you've made artistic decisions that you stick by them. Who the hell is responsible for this?
Still, clear concise notes preface every canto from the lea More...
Still, clear concise notes preface every canto from the lea More...
Jun 28, 2011
Alex
rated it:
Released in hardcover in January of 2011, Robert M. Durling and Ronald L. Martinez present their translation and editing of the final volume in the epic trilogy of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, with Paradiso. After the success of the first two volumes – Inferno and Purgatorio – with readers and scholars alike, fans will now be able to complete their collection.
After reuniting with his love, Beatrice, Dante now travels with her through the heavenly spheres, experiencing “the sta More...
After reuniting with his love, Beatrice, Dante now travels with her through the heavenly spheres, experiencing “the sta More...
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Oct 06, 2010
Briana
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I'm bracing myself for Revelation-esque thoughts.
Sadly, I'm also anticipating bad things for my in-book notes. "Huh???" is a relatively unintelligent commentary question.
*EDIT*
Man, I want some of whatever Dante was on when he wrote Paradise because WOW he's really in a trippy state of mind. Pretty lights, rainbows, angels, planets...
I was able to kind of follow along until the prayer to Mary at the end. Then I felt lost, mentally and doc More...
Sadly, I'm also anticipating bad things for my in-book notes. "Huh???" is a relatively unintelligent commentary question.
*EDIT*
Man, I want some of whatever Dante was on when he wrote Paradise because WOW he's really in a trippy state of mind. Pretty lights, rainbows, angels, planets...
I was able to kind of follow along until the prayer to Mary at the end. Then I felt lost, mentally and doc More...
Oct 14, 2010
Venus
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«کمدی الهی» یک اثر عالی فکری و فلسفی است. این مجموعه درحقیقت عصاره ایست از علوم و اطلاعات و نظریات و عقاید فلسفی چند هزار ساله بشری که در آن با ترکیب خاصی درآمیختهاند. در این کتاب چنانکه گفتهاند «مجموعه کمالات و ممیزات انسانی بعلاوه طبیعت و گذشته و حال محصول خاصی پدید آورده که برای همه مردم جهان و همه ادوار و قرون قابل درک و استفاده باشد»
بدیهی است در این ترکیب باید دو نکته را از هم کاملاً مجزا کرد، یعنی مفهوم کلی آنرا از صورت خاص مسیحی و کاتولیکی آن جدا نهاد. از نظر اخیر «کمدی الهی» یک ا More...
بدیهی است در این ترکیب باید دو نکته را از هم کاملاً مجزا کرد، یعنی مفهوم کلی آنرا از صورت خاص مسیحی و کاتولیکی آن جدا نهاد. از نظر اخیر «کمدی الهی» یک ا More...
May 29, 2010
Ahmad
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سرود اول بهشت
جلال ِ آن کس که گرداننده ی همه چیز است، سرتاسر جهان آفرینش را به فرمان خویش دارد. ولی در اینجا (آسمان) بیشتر و در جاهای دیگر کمتر متجلی است. بدان آسمانی رفتم، که بیش از هر آسمان دگر از فروغ او بهره مند است، و چیزهایی را دیدم که آن کس که از آن بالا فرود آمده باشد، نه میداند و نه میتواند باز گفت. زیرا که حس ادراک ما، با نزدیکی به مایه ی اشتیاق خود، چنان مجذوب می شود، که حافظه ی ما را یارای همراهی با آن نمی ماند. با این همه، آنچه را که از قلمرو مقدس (بهشت) در گنجینه ی اندیشه، جای More...
جلال ِ آن کس که گرداننده ی همه چیز است، سرتاسر جهان آفرینش را به فرمان خویش دارد. ولی در اینجا (آسمان) بیشتر و در جاهای دیگر کمتر متجلی است. بدان آسمانی رفتم، که بیش از هر آسمان دگر از فروغ او بهره مند است، و چیزهایی را دیدم که آن کس که از آن بالا فرود آمده باشد، نه میداند و نه میتواند باز گفت. زیرا که حس ادراک ما، با نزدیکی به مایه ی اشتیاق خود، چنان مجذوب می شود، که حافظه ی ما را یارای همراهی با آن نمی ماند. با این همه، آنچه را که از قلمرو مقدس (بهشت) در گنجینه ی اندیشه، جای More...
Jan 09, 2010
Peter
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Stalled out a little on this around canto 6. I love the Hollanders' work, but Paradiso is the most esoteric of the three cantos, and I'm having a hard time appreciating the political and theological details. Hope to pick this up again soon, just to carry my conversation with Hollander and Dante to some kind of closure point.
This just arrived today from [noted online merchant]. I'm excited to have it, as the previous Hollander translations helped greatly to demystify the mate More...
This just arrived today from [noted online merchant]. I'm excited to have it, as the previous Hollander translations helped greatly to demystify the mate More...
Jul 23, 2011
Brian
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Not as exciting as the other two. There's a lot of religious mystification going on, and none of the fun literary vengeance (placing enemies in hell!) going on. Still interesting for some of the religious and astronomical theories posited, and you do need to finish the series. Very well written. I recommend (as with the others) finding it in dual-language so that you can glance over to the original.
Jul 22, 2010
Benjamin
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Although, the weakest of the three, Paradiso is still quite amazing for its portrayal of heaven in all its layered complexity. Naturally it is not as vexing or interesting at Purgatorio or Hell but still interesting to see who Dante wanted to place there. Plus, the ending is just hilarious. Again, this translation is great. The Hollander's have outdone themselves. I wonder what they do now.
Feb 18, 2011
Venus
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بهشت در كتاب دانته عبارت است از زندگی ابدی كه در جریان زمان جای دارد و زندگی مافوق طبیعی و عالم رحمت الهی است .دانته پس از آن كه روشنایی را تماشا میكند, نگاهش را به سوی((بئاتریس)) برمیگرداند كه او نیز نگاه خویش را به جانب خدا معطوف داشته است .دانته در حالی كه زیبایی بئاتریس را میستاید, ناگهان احساس میكند كه تغییر شكل داده و خدا در نظرش موضوع اصلی معرفت و عشق گشته است .دانته در قله زندگی اجتماعی و سرشار از تلاش و كوشش در سفر به ابدیت, به آرامشی كه همه عمر در پی آن بوده است, دست مییابد ...
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Jan 09, 2010
Nathan
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The "pinnacle" of Dante's comedy I thought the weakest canto. For all the abstract schematics of the setting, the action is merely repetitive, consisting of Dante trying to outdo himself, over and over. The flashes of brilliance are there, but sporadically; Dante seems to be trying as hard as he can to explain what he himself says he cannot, and it gives the whole thing an uncomfortable feeling of grasping and failing, yet expecting the reader to be awestruck because the hero grasped a
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Oct 15, 2010
Takipsilim
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The master finally reaches the pinnacle of his journey. The wordiness and digressions mar and slow down the work, but Dante's touch predominates, and the last few cantos are among the most sublime in all of literature. This is one classic that will leave a lasting impression on the reader for the rest of his life.
Sep 05, 2010
Adamo
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Sì, dei tre è il più palloso, in fondo ci sono quei canti dottrinali che bisogna fare un bel respiro e poi leggere terzina dopo terzina. Però la scala delle anime, la rosa mistica, gli spiriti combattenti, San Francesco insomma ci sono un sacco di personaggi memorabili.
Io continuamente dicevo mannaggia Dante non poteva vivere 10 anni fa, così vedevamo dove piazzava Hitler, Lady D e madre Teresa? che fine avrebbero fatto Malcolm X, Greta Garbo e Michael Jackson?
Io continuamente dicevo mannaggia Dante non poteva vivere 10 anni fa, così vedevamo dove piazzava Hitler, Lady D e madre Teresa? che fine avrebbero fatto Malcolm X, Greta Garbo e Michael Jackson?
May 27, 2011
Emily
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ma già volgeva il mio disio e 'l velle, 143 But now my will and my desire, like wheels revolving
sì come rota ch'igualmente è mossa, 144 with an even motion, were turning with
l'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle. 145 the Love that moves the sun and all the other stars.
sì come rota ch'igualmente è mossa, 144 with an even motion, were turning with
l'amor che move il sole e l'altre stelle. 145 the Love that moves the sun and all the other stars.
Sep 23, 2010
Nikki
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Not the correct edition, since I don't know who the translator of my copy was. My apologies.
For some reason, I found Paradise harder to read than the other two sections. Still, well worth the effort for the beautiful language, and how it makes other people's references to Dante fall into place!
For some reason, I found Paradise harder to read than the other two sections. Still, well worth the effort for the beautiful language, and how it makes other people's references to Dante fall into place!
Jan 30, 2011
Zachary
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What can I add to the already illustrious praise of this work? It is art condensed into ink and bled from Dante's heart. Never had such a work been made, and never will it be matched. The greatest parable for man's pursuit of God ever conceived, it will forever be read and will forever be judged worthy of the highest praise.
Jan 11, 2011
Kate
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I read through this one really fast but I think that's only because it's more repetitive than the previous parts. It's still gorgeously written but at this point we've obviously reached Paradise and there only so many times you can read about how awesome that is.
Sep 18, 2010
Diana
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I havent read this since high school, which is probably why I rated it the way I did. Perhaps I should re-read from an adults point of view. Then again, I'm 61 and I already have so many books I want to want to read, I don't think I will.
