Inferno (The Divine Comedy)

As I began my journey through the dark with Dante, I started with Wordsworth's translation, which made an already complicated poem very confusing. Beautiful as Wordsworth's language was, I was floundering, lost much like the souls in the Inferno's first ring. But then I got this translation from Anthony Esolen, and with language still beautiful but also much more accessible, as well as extensive footnotes and a very helpful appendix, I have made it through not only Inferno, but also Purgatorio and Paradiso with the reading challenge '100 Days of Dante'.

Esolen's translations of each volume of the Divine Comedy are excellent. The Inferno is likely to be the most often read. The Italian is on one page with Esolen's English on the facing page.

The translation is clear and accurate (Prof. Esolen built his reputation with translations of later, more obscure Italian renaissance works). But any translation of Dante should be an introduction to reading the original Italian - and (as is now standard), the Italian text is printed on the facing pages.But Dante also needs commentary: the tradition of publishing commentary along with the Divina Commedia is old as that of publishing the Commedia itself. A commentator must explain all three levels of Dante's references: topical (Dante's own Italy), Catholic-theological, and classical-mythological.Prof. Esolen achieves this brilliantly, allowing us to understand Dante as Dante understood himself and his world. It's a different world from ours in many ways (not all!) but that's part of the challenge of reading him.Esolen's only rival as a Dante annotator, I'd say, is Dorothy L. Sayers (and her version, while still worthwhile, lacks the Italian on facing pages). Honorable mention as well to Robert and Jean Hollander. But I would give Esolen first place.

Great quality. Esolen's notes at the back are SUPER helpful. I wish this one was the same size as the rest of The Divine Comedy though.

One of the best books I've read. A bit confusing but it will keep it turning the page!!

L’Inferno is very challenging unless you have good background knowledge or study supplements. A good translation is really important also. There are lots of opinions out there regarding the best translations. I’m a mere Dante novice and I liked this one

One of the best versions I have looked at so far. The foot notes are great and there is also a chapter at the the end of the book that gives you a little more context for the canto you just read! Used this version in school and would not recomend any other version! Yes, it takes a little time to read all of that extra material but it is so worth it! If you really want to know the "in's and out's" of this poem, this is your book!

Esolen's translation of Dante's 'Inferno' is clear, easy and compelling to read, while retaining eloquence and good literary style. With previous translations I've tried, the translators have forced rhyme or mixed up the order of words perhaps in an attempt to sound more poetic - not so with this translation. Esolen captures the poetic essence of Dante's writing in a way that a good translation of a classic text should. He makes it accessible without simplifying or diminishing the great richness of Dante's work. It's also great to have Dante's original verses on the opposing pages - just in case you want to compare the English with the original. I've thoroughly enjoyed reading this, and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to take this dark journey with Dante.