The Divine Comedy
Of Dante Alighieri.
Translated by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
Boston: James R. Osgood & Company,
(late Ticknor & Fields, and Fields, Osgood, & Co.)
1871.
CONDITION:
This book is in good condition. Rare and hard-to-find antiquarian edition. Beveled boards show wear at the corners. The spine is rubbed with some fraying at the head/tail. The hinges and joints are starting/weak. The text block and pages are toned, with a bookplate and the previous owner's name present. The brown endpapers are in good condition, and a bookplate is present. I found a pressed rose inside the book, which I've kept in place (see picture). The endpapers and title page have been embossed with the previous owner's information.
ATTRIBUTES:
First edition. There are inscriptions and/or bookseller notes on front matter. Ex libris present. Hardcover. Bound in cloth. This is an antiquarian book that has had a long and illustrious journey through time. Please take a look at the pictures to ascertain the condition of this item.
DESCRIPTION:
Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy" is an epic poem that stands as a cornerstone of world literature and a monumental work of the Middle Ages. The narrative follows the allegorical journey of the poet Dante through Hell (Inferno), Purgatory (Purgatorio), and Paradise (Paradiso), guided initially by the Roman poet Virgil and later by Beatrice, symbolizing divine love and revelation. The poem explores profound theological, philosophical, and moral themes, offering a comprehensive vision of the afterlife according to medieval Christian theology. It delves into the nature of sin, redemption, divine justice, and the ultimate pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.
Alighieri himself was a pivotal figure in Italian literature, often considered the father of the Italian language. His use of the Tuscan vernacular, rather than Latin, in "The Divine Comedy" was revolutionary, helping to establish it as the literary language of Italy. The poem's intricate structure, vivid imagery, and rich symbolism have captivated readers for centuries, influencing countless artists, writers, and thinkers across various disciplines. Longfellow's translation, published in 1867, is particularly significant as it was one of the earliest and most influential English translations, making Dante's masterpiece accessible to a wider English-speaking audience.
"The Divine Comedy" is of immense literary and historical significance, providing invaluable insights into medieval thought, culture, and religious beliefs. Its enduring appeal lies in its universal themes of sin, repentance, and salvation, as well as its masterful poetic artistry. A collector would find this edition particularly interesting due to Longfellow's esteemed reputation as a poet and translator, making his rendition a notable achievement in the history of English literary translation and a key text for understanding the reception of Dante in the 19th century.
FLASHBACK TO 1867 WHEN THIS BOOK WAS PUBLISHED:
When this book was published in 1867, the Dominion of Canada was established, marking a pivotal moment in North American history, while in Europe, Austro-Hungary formed its Dual Monarchy and Karl Marx published the first volume of *Das Kapital*. The world also mourned the death of poet Charles Baudelaire, as Japan saw the beginning of the Meiji Restoration, ushering in an era of rapid modernization.
Page Count: 760
Location: LIB