Discover the power and precision of Robert Durling's groundbreaking translation of Dante Alighieri's *The Divine Comedy* with the first volume, *Inferno*. This edition offers a fresh, compelling interpretation of Dante's extraordinary vision of Hell, capturing its terror, pathos, and humor with remarkable fidelity. Durling’s translation is the first prose version in twenty-five years, providing a clear and accessible reading experience that remains true to both the letter and spirit of this central work of Western literature.
Durling’s approach emphasizes a closely literal style, consciously designed to convey the nuances of Dante’s original Italian, which is notoriously craggy and challenging even for native speakers. As Durling notes, "the closely literal style is a conscious effort to convey in part the nature of Dante's Italian." This rigorous accuracy ensures the translation is both clear and supple, preserving the complex syntax and emphases of Dante’s poetic structure to an unparalleled degree.
The *Durling-Martinez Inferno* is also highly user-friendly. The Italian text, newly edited, is printed on each verso page, with the English translation mirrored on the facing page. This layout allows readers to easily relate the translation to the original terza rima, making it especially accessible for first-time readers of Dante. The volume includes comprehensive notes and textual commentary by both Durling and Martinez, both lifelong scholars of Dante and medieval literature. Their introduction is a concise yet masterful overview of the historical and conceptual background of the poem, providing essential context for understanding Dante’s work.
Additionally, the book features sixteen short essays that explore various topics, such as the autobiographical elements of the poem, Dante’s views on homosexuality, and the recurring body analogy—highlighting how Hell’s structure parallels the human body. The extensive notes contain new material that explains historical, literary, and doctrinal references, details about the damned souls Dante encounters—from lovers caught in eternal passion to Count Ugolino gnawing at his enemy’s skull—and clarifies complex passages. These notes also disentangle the vexed party politics of the Guelfs and Ghibellines, shedding light on Dante’s unresolved conflicts and the poem’s deeper meanings.
Illustrations by Robert Turner enrich the volume, including detailed maps of Italy and its regions, clearly labeled diagrams of the cosmos and the structure of Hell, and eight line drawings depicting objects and locations referenced in the poem. With exceptional typography and design quality, the *Durling-Martinez Inferno* stands as a durable and elegant addition to any home library, setting a high standard for Dante editions for years to come.