Described variously as the greatest poem of the European Middle Ages & because of the author's evangelical purpose the 'fifth Gospel' the Divine Comedy is central to the culture of the west. The poem is a spiritual autobiography in the form of a journey
- the poet travels from the dark circles of the Inferno up the mountain of Purgatory where Virgil his guide leaves him to encounter Beatrice in the Earthly Paradise. Dante conceived the poem as the new epic of Christendom & he creates a world in which reason & faith have transformed moral & social chaos into order. Charles Sisson's blank verse translation is remarkable for its lucidity & vigour & the Introduction diagrams maps & notes by David Higgins provide the reader with invaluable guidance. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features including expert introductions by leading authorities helpful notes to clarify the text up-to-date bibliographies for further study & much more.