A review by ed_moore
The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: Volume 1: Inferno by Robert M. Durling

adventurous dark informative slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Dante's 'Inferno' depicts Dante's idea of the Hellscape when he was writing in 1324, taking inspiration from the works of Virgil to the extent that Virgil was key character and the 'guide' figure within the epic poem. However, Dante also overwrites the Hell depicted in Virgil's 'The Aeneid', emphasising a completely Christian focus. This was the book I ended up writing my end of term uni essay on as I found Dante's focus on politics and the political turmoil in 1300's Florence fascinating. He places his key opponents, and also allies, in Hell, blaming both sides of the feud for his exile from Florence in 1302, this playing a crucial role in the motivations of 'The Inferno'. I found the tale of Dante descending the level of Hell and the figures he meets along the way fascinating to read through a political lens and it was easily my favourite book of the first term of my degree.