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A review by lrkalisto
The Portable Dante by Dante Alighieri
5.0
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.
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.