Questions About The Divine Comedy: Inferno - Purgatorio - Paradiso

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Answered Questions (7)

Anyone have an opinion as to what is the best English translation? I bought a volume of the Cary translation (still in the mail) which I realize is written in archaic English, but it might be nice to have a more modern version as well.

Dave Jones I read John Ciardi's translation. Mr. Ciardi has credentials both as a poet and understanding Italian. He uses his Italian/poetry chops to translate t…moreI read John Ciardi's translation. Mr. Ciardi has credentials both as a poet and understanding Italian. He uses his Italian/poetry chops to translate this as poetry (i.e. it rhymes). The end notes are fascinating and definitely add insight to the poem. It's a wonderful work that I have read twice. (I wish it was available in the Kindle format!)(less)

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Longfellow's translation is not the easiest or fluent translation of Dante but it provides the most gratifying and poetic version I ever encountered. This edition will take a while for me to finish but life is about the journey not the finish. What are your thoughts Goodreads? What english translation do you like and why?

Leon Stephens The most important thing to know is that all translations are bad in comparison with the original, so the best thing is to study Italian. Failing that…moreThe most important thing to know is that all translations are bad in comparison with the original, so the best thing is to study Italian. Failing that, I would recommend mine as the least bad. It's bilingual, in three volumes, available at www.lulu.com/spotlight/pluramon. It took me 36 years to complete it. To read a sample, click on the title and then on the word Preview under the enlarged cover photo that will then appear. (less)

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Sorry for my ignorance but I am quite confused, is this book a collection of all The Divine Comedy books including The Inferno? I'm new to Dante so I do appologise

Bret Yes. This book contains all 3 (Inferno, Purgatory & Paradise)

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How old would you have to be to read this book? I'm thirteen and I'm wondering if it is appropriate.

Ethan Nunn 16 years. Not because of content, but because of comprehension.

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Can someone tell me that this version of Divine Comedy is easy to read or understand, especially for non-native speakers? I desire to read this, but I am afraid that I will not be able to understand the whole story.

Daniel I've been reading the John Ciardi translation and while I'm sure it pales in comparison to the Italian I've at least been able to follow what's happen…moreI've been reading the John Ciardi translation and while I'm sure it pales in comparison to the Italian I've at least been able to follow what's happening. There's an explanation before each canto and then footnotes after each one,(less)

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