Shon Ellerton answers “Anyone have an opinion as to what is the...”

Carol asked this question about The Divine Comedy: Inferno - Purgatorio - Paradiso:

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.

Shon Ellerton I've studied this book in great detail when I was in high school. By far, my favourite translation is done by Mark Musa. He does NOT try to make it rh…moreI've studied this book in great detail when I was in high school. By far, my favourite translation is done by Mark Musa. He does NOT try to make it rhyme in English but he does translate it as it should be: earthy and frank. It is also very readable. Try to get the separate Penguin books for Inferno, Purgatory and Paradise (not the all-in-one Divine Comedy). The all-on-one leaves out many of the wonderful maps and Dore illustrations. The footnotes are very good as well and very informative.(less)

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The Divine Comedy

by Dante Alighieri

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