Books by Dante Alighieri

5. The Divine Comedy , by Dante and Clive James.  This really is a co-authored work.  It is the most beautiful poetic treatment of Dante in the English language, yet I fear it is no longer Dante.  I would prefer it if the book were simply marketed as Clive James.  In fact I fear it will displace “the real Dante” in my memories.  I am conflicted, and may not finish it for this reason, besides I already know how it ends.  Some of you will love this, however.

2. Dante, Paradiso , translated by Robert and Jean Hollander.  There still is not a gripping English-language Paradiso on the market, as the Mandelbaum translation is flawed as well and don’t ever trust Penguin translations with anything.  This one doesn’t elevate me as the text should.  But it has the best notes of any edition, is laid out most nicely, and is the best for trying to follow the Italian and cross-reference the translation.  If you buy only one English-language Paradiso maybe it is...