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Summary: Undeniably a classic
Review: Had to read it for Lit class and loved every page!
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Summary: Stunning clarity of meaning...
Review: This edition of the Inferno is by far the best English translation available for the serious student of Dante. No absurd attempt to emulate the poetic style is made here, it's strictly prose. Moreover, it's clear, easy to read prose. Remember, it was written in the vernacular, and therefore should be read in the simplest vernacular available to the English speaking reader.
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Summary: Greetings from Hell
Review: Many writers have imagined what the underworld is like, from ancient times to our own - but no one has ever matched Dante's nightmare, written as a warning to a Renaissance Florence that would face the Great Plague only a generation later. We begin as Dante is met by the ancient poet Virgil, his guide on this first leg of a tour of the afterlife (Purgatorio and Paradiso follow - Inferno, regarding sin, despair, and a little gossip of Dante's time, is of course the most powerful and popular of the trilogy). He meets the righteous heathens who were not exposed to Christianity but may have hope of heaven eventually, and further on those guilty of relatively minor sins like adultery and gluttony. But soon enough they reach that famous gate after which all hope is to be abandoned. Be afraid. Be very afraid. This is a fascinating document of the ethics of the time, and it's interesting to compare Dante's morality to our own in the 21st century. For Dante premeditated intent is everything, which means that a hotheaded murderer is on a higher level of hell than, for instance, a deliberate flatterer - something I think it's safe to say most of us would violently disagree with. It's also quite interesting to watch Dante himself change, as he moves from compassion (he actually meets some departed friends, especially in the less tortuous upper levels) to occasional viciousness (as he not surprisingly meets departed enemies, especially in the unspeakable lower levels). This is also a horror story of the first rate. If you doubt this a reading of, for instance, Ugolino's account of his starvation with his sons and grandsons near the end should change your mind in a hurry - and there are many other examples. Aside from Virgil's presence there is very little relief as the punishments become more and more horrific. If you have a glimmer of fear for your immortal soul and a good imagination, this is potentially nightmare inducing stuff that's likely to keep you good for quite some time to come.
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Summary: Excellent Translation
Review: The Inferno translated incredibly well. It has English/Italian side by side. The english reading is translated using the same verse structure and as close a translation as possible. Excellent explanation of the verse and character references in the story. I would highly recomment this work and translation. Hopefully, Mr. Hollander will also offer a translation of the Purgatorio and Paradisio.
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Summary: wonderful
Review: i've read several translations, and must say that this is my favorite. if the idea of a tour of hell fascinates you, and you enjoyed this little romp, then i must recommend your finding niven and pournelle's updated version of the inferno. it is out of print, but with a little effort surely you can find a used copy. it would be well worth the trouble.
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Summary: A great one to chalk up in the "I've Read" column
Review: Dante's Inferno. I found myself pretty overwhelmed at all the references to people in his historical period--Dante's arrogance at placing people throughout the various circles of hell is fun to read. The punishments and intricacies that Dante, a pilgrim stuck in the woods who must pass through hell to escape, provides a great insight into that period of time when the Church not only preached mass but moved around armies. The punishments through hell, and especially his ranking of sin, are very creative and comment upon the values of that time and the individuals being punished. It's a quick read, and if not read too metaphorically, and enjoyable one. Kind of cool to fully understand the saying, "welcome to the seventh circle of hell." I'm a Catholic, and its nice to understand better some of the roots and attitudes that exist in my church today.
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Summary: A masterpiece!
Review: It doesn't matter if you have read every other translation of Dante's immortal poem, if you haven't read Hollander's, you haven't fully absorbed the amazing power of this classic work of art.
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Summary: Hell Fire, and Damnation
Review: And intriguing and open epic. I truly liked this a lot, because of the wording, but then again it changes through the different translations. But that is okay. I think anyone who likes fantasy/epics should read this!
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Summary: Surprisingly readable
Review: Compared to some of the other translations of this 'poem' and other poems such as "Faust", this is an amazingly readable version, with all the credit going to the translator. If you want to or have to read Dante, pick up this version translated by John Ciardi. The style is very flowing and poetic, but also very clear and visual, and not at all convoluted or abstract as many poetic epics tend to be.
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Summary: student review
Review: Many feel that Dante's Inferno is too advanced for high schoolers. I beg to differ. The translation of this book is clear, concise, and easy to understand, without losing any of its meaning. As a student, I found this book incredibly valuable. Not only is it a 'classic' but it is amazingly interesting, even for a teenager with a short attention span. I love how it combines ancient mythology with modern religion. There aren't many books like this. It truly is a work of art.
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