The Divine Comedy, Vol. 3: Paradise [Paperback]

Dante Alighieri (Author), Mark Musa (Translator, Commentary, Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 4, 1986

The final volume in this brilliant translation destined to take its place among the great English versions of "The Divine Comedy". In his translation of "Paradise", Mark Musa exhibits the same sensitivity to language and knowledge of translation that enabled his versions of "Inferno" and "Purgatory" to capture the vibrant power and full dramatic force of Dante's poetry. Dante relates his mystical interpretation of the heavens, and his moment of transcendent glory, as he journeys, first with Beatrice, then alone, toward the Trinity. Professor Musa's extraordinary translation and his interpretive commentary, informative glossary, and bibliography clarify the theological themes and make Dante accessible to the English-speaking public.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, Italian

About the Author

Dante Alighieri was born in Florence in 1265 and belonged to a noble but impoverished family. His life was divided by political duties and poetry, the most of famous of which was inspired by his meeting with Bice Portinari, whom he called Beatrice,including La Vita Nuova and The Divine Comedy. He died in Ravenna in 1321.

Product Details

• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (February 4, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140444432
• ISBN-13: 978-0140444438
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #50,588 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I understood the grace and beauty, July 18, 2000

By 

Stacey M Jones (Conway, Ark.) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Divine Comedy, Vol. 3: Paradise (Paperback)

The pilgrim's journey continues to heaven.

If you, like me, are intimidated by Dante but are interested in these great works of Western Literature, you now have an accessible translation of the Divine Comedy. Musa's translation communicates the divinity of the events in the story on an understandable level. The Divine Comedy colored my perception of religion and helped me to a new understanding of the harmony of responsibility and grace. The work also educates the reader in an enriching way about the belief system of the middle ages.

Don't miss this book and don't read any other translation.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Difficult text, rendered well, July 28, 2003

By 

Brett (South Dakota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Divine Comedy, Vol. 3: Paradise (Paperback)

I am not a professional Dante scholar, and in fact, speak no Italian at all, so my judgement as to the accuracy of the translation is suspect. That said, Musa does an admirable job of helping the reader understand this very difficult final third of the Divine Comedy. Of the three sections of the Comedy, my feeling is that Paradise is the least interesting, though it would be a shame to read the first two parts and neglect the third, since they all are integral to understanding what Dante was trying to accomplish. But the characters in Paradise are all literally perfect and sinless, and there is not nearly as much of interest as in the other books. There is a lot of symbolism involving what shapes the saints stand in and the like, but its all rather trying and sometimes monotonous, to me anyway. Musa is a good guide though. The translation smartly abandons any hope of recreating Rima Terza, and goes with a straight blank verse rendering. The translation is subtle and effective, even when the poem itself is slow and tedious. Despite my beliefs about Paradise, both history and personal experience tell me that Divine Comedy is an important and fulfilling part of the Western Canon that should not go neglected. I have no problem recommending Musa's version of Paradise.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, Informative, Scary Story, May 21, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Divine Comedy, Vol. 3: Paradise (Paperback)

My interest in classic literature did not arise until recently. I read many reviews which indicated that people with this such interest absolutely MUST read Dante's Inferno. With that hefty weight upon my "newbie" shoulders I decided to undergo the journey that so many others have made over the last 700 years.

As it turns out, Mark Musa's translation of Inferno is fantastic. Each chapter begins with a very brief but informative synopsis, followed by the prose, then finally capped off my Musa's notes on the text. Musa's notes give backgroud on all of the characters and situations that take place throughout the story. These notes are a MUST for any newcomer to Dante and classical literature in general. So, not only is there the original text in English for us non-Italian speakers, but there are notes to increase the readers comprehension.

Dante is guided by the author of the Aeneid, Virgil. Virgil takes Dante through the Nine Levels of Hell to show him the pain and suffering of all those who do not love and follow God. Dante learns a great deal on this journey as does the reader.

Mark Musa's translation of Dante is smooth, entertaining, and very informative. Anyone interested in Christianity, Hell, famous Greeks, and classical literature should definitely indulge themselves as this translation is not overwhelming in the slightest. Five stars across the board.