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Digireads.com The Divine Comedy (Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow with an Introduction by Henry Francis Cary) by MR Dante Alighieri Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Introduction by Henry Francis Cary
Dante Alighieri was born in Florence Italy in the middle of the 13th century and what is principally known of him comes from his own writings. One of the worlds great literary masterpieces the Divine Comedy is at its heart an allegorical tale regarding mans search for divinity. The work is divided into three sections Inferno Purgatorio and Paradiso each containing thirtythree cantos. It is the narrative of a journey down through Hell up the mountain of Purgatory and through the revolving heavens into the presence of God. In this aspect it belongs to the two familiar medieval literary types of the Journey and the Vision however Dante intended the work to be more than just simple allegory layering the narrative with rich historical moral political literal and anagogical context. In order for the work to be more accessible to the common readers of his day Dante wrote in the Italian language. This was an uncommon practice at the time for serious literary works which would traditionally be written in Latin. One of the truly great compositions of all time the Divine Comedy has inspired and influenced readers ever since its original creation. This edition is printed on premium acidfree paper is translated into English verse by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and includes an introduction by Henry Francis Cary.show more