The vision of hell: By Dante Alighieri. / Translated by Rev. Henry Francis Cary, M.A. / and illustrated with the seventy-five designs of Gustave Doré

Dante Alighieri

Sept 2022 · DigiCat

About this eBook

Dante Alighieri's 'The Vision of Hell' is a seminal work that conjures the Infernal realms with visceral force and poetic grandeur. Translated with scholarly finesse by Rev. Henry Francis Cary, M.A., the text retains the intricate terza rima scheme, faithfully conveying the epic's intricate allegories and theological underpinnings. Accompanied by the hauntingly magnificent illustrations of Gustave Doré, this specific edition offers a profound symbiosis between word and image, augmenting the reader's journey through the nine circles of Hell. Cary's translation situates Dante's masterpiece within the broader context of Western literature, preserving its historical and cultural resonance. Dante Alighieri, the Florentine poet who lived from 1265 to 1321, stands as a colossus in the literary pantheon. His personal and political tribulations notably influenced his writing, suffusing his works with a profundity borne of exile and philosophical introspection. 'The Vision of Hell' is but a facet of his larger opus, 'The Divine Comedy,' reflecting Dante's navigations through the complexities of human nature, ethics, and the quest for divine justice. This edition, therefore, synthesizes his lifelong contemplations and artistic prowess, offering a window into the soul of a man entrenched in a turbulent epoch, yet reaching for the eternal. The DigiCat edition of Dante's 'The Vision of Hell' beckons the erudite and the inquisitive alike. It promises not only a literary and visual feast but also an immersive experience into the profound depths of medieval spirituality and human psychology. The book is indispensable for those who endeavor to grasp the moral landscapes of the past and appreciate the timeless relevance of Dante's infernal vision. It is an essential addition to the library of any scholar, student, or enthusiast of classic literature and art.

About the author

Dante Alighieri (1265–1321) stands as one of the most important poets of the late Middle Ages and a central figure in Italian literature. His magnum opus, 'The Divine Comedy,' is widely regarded as one of the greatest pieces of world literature, in which 'The Inferno,' often translated as 'The Vision of Hell,' is the initial part. An epic poem written in the vernacular of the time—Tuscan dialect, which would eventually become modern Italian—Dante's work has significantly shaped the literary and cultural landscape of Italy and beyond. 'The Vision of Hell' vividly portrays the medieval concept of hell, divided into nine circles of suffering, where sinners are punished in accordance with their sins. Dante's poetry is characterized by his use of terza rima, a rhyming verse stanza form that he utilized with superb skill. 'The Divine Comedy' blends a rich array of classical and contemporary references, making it a unique synthesis of the author's encyclopedic knowledge of philosophy, theology, and history. Dante's influence is pervasive, impacting subsequent literature, theology, and the arts, and his work continues to be studied and cherished for its linguistic innovation, imaginative power, and its exploration of the human condition.