My edition is a wonderful, well-read copy published in 1947.

N.B: This review focuses on Mark Musa's translation of "The Divine Comedy". The Vita Nouva also included in this edition will be the focus of a separate segment.

How to review, or discuss, a massive epic about the afterlife? One which not only explores the divinity and deeper movings of this world, but also our humanity in all its colors and catastrophes. I know, like Dante, I find my typing to be at a loss for words.

Out of all the literature produced in the Middle Ages, this and the DeCameron have preserved their merit. Dante is a complex man. Born in the midst of a factional Florence, his world was dictated by the conflicts of church and state. Petty Emperors, conniving Popes, and ambitious statesmen illuminated his life as well as his work--especially the Divine Comedy. The poet's personal conflict between the things of this world, and the things of heaven, are painted in the lowliest and loftiest of places. And I think this resonates with readers, religious or not. How are we, like Dante the Pilgrim, to contend with a world that seemingly devours its own? Perhaps the answer lies in seeking the higher and noble paths that have colored past lives; not in greed, wrath, or lust, but in generosity, peace, and dignity. There is much I would like to say in a single Goodreads review--but I know I cannot do it justice. So my pitch is this: no matter what your motives are for approaching the Comedy, read it and think upon it! This book, even if not your favorite, will present itself with many flowers of contemplation.

As for Mark Musa's translation: I skimmed through the harrowing Inferno after reading the Hollander translation a year ago. It was a nice, cursory refresher over the parts I had forgotten. Musa is surprisingly not brought up much when people talk about translations. Either the aforementioned Hollander, the classic Sayers, or Pinsky's Inferno often make the rounds on the internet. And truth be told, Musa had a nice, contemporary approach that respected the medieval poetic trappings of the Tuscan. The Portable Dante is nice for those of you wanting to take on the entire Comedy at once, especially over a long period of travel. The footnotes could have been better, and I felt some stated the obvious. To paraphrase what another reviewer said on here: if you're looking for a bare-bones Dante, then Musa's edition is right for you.

Read only Inferno again for class. Maybe one day i'll finally read the complete Comedy.

Worth the read, but without the notes, it's difficult to get all the side-eyes at politics at the time.

I'm basing this review mainly on Inferno since I spent the most time on it - but it was different than expected. It had humor, a surprising amount of political commentary and grotesque yet expected descriptions that contrast nicely with the imagery of Purgatorio and Paradiso. The ending of Inferno surprised me; not to give out too many details, but after a class discussion, I completely understand why he chose to end the first book in this way, and it made me rethink how I viewed the Divine Comedy as a whole. Ending every book with the word "stars" was also very beautiful, and I enjoyed reading and analyzing this classic piece of literature. 3.5/5 stars.

This is a great version of Dante's Devine Comedy because at the top of each section there was a summary of the chapter. It helped a lot when I wanted to look back at events that happened previously. It was also good if some things in the chapter were unclear, I could read the summary to help me understand what was going on. I think the chapter summaries make this an ideal translation for students and casual readers alike.

My favorite of the Divine Comedy was Purgatario. Inferno is by far the most popular, but I thought the consequences to sin that Dante describes in this installment were more interesting. Rather than an ironic or hyperbolic punishment, the souls in purgatory are set to some sort of task that while it fits their sins, eventually will lead them to the self-improvement necessary to attain sanctification. I liked the spirit of hope and mercy present in Purgatario.

I disliked Paradiso. It seemed like just a bunch of ego stroking as Dante describes how all of his patrons are in Heaven, and talks about how his girlfriend (who is his guide throughout the whole thing) is just soooooo perfect. It's a shame that Dante decided to spend this section pandering to the egos of others rather than providing a satisfying conclusion to his Comedy.

Granted, I only read the Divine Comedy and not La vita nuova because this was for class, but I still think this poem has locked itself into my heart like a puzzle piece. A grand exploration of humanity in a wide array of colors, timeless and endlessly relevant. Purgatory is the best book, though its power comes from its place within the larger trilogy.

Not the best translation, but okay...the intro material is good though.