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.
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
Reviews (22)
The translator of this version is just excellent, presenting the text in a beautiful flowing
I bought these 3 volumes for a course, which was then postponed indefinitely. But since I'd already started reading, I kept at it. I'd tried reading/studying the Divine Comedy before, without success - too dry. The translator of this version is just excellent, presenting the text in a beautiful flowing, readable English.
A classic that many have missed for various reasons
After giving up on this volume of The Divine Comeday several times in my younger years, I decided to give the work another try. I thought maybe maturity would make it manageable this time. That did help, but the real key to my finishing and benefiting from my experience with Paradise this timewas the inspired translation by Mark Musa. Mr. Musa obviously thought it more important for readers to understand what Dante meant, rather than just providing a word-for-word rendition of the original text, which was after all written in medieval Italian. He also provides plentiful notes and longer explanatory passages. I would recommend this edition to all who are interested in unpacking this monument of medieval literature to stimulate their own thinking about human destiny even in this modern age.
Best translation
Best English translation of this classic text.
Excellent translation for Dante's trilogy
Excellent translation for Dante's trilogy. Super clear to understand what the lines mean and who the different characters are. Highly recommend this version.
Five Stars
This was a gift for my son but he says he loves it.
Great classical book
Great book fun read. This is a must have for a classical book collection
All books are ordered for my wife who is avid reader.
For my wife’s Stanford class
Paradise; life after death
Mark Musa does a good translation. It does take some study, and the notes he give at the end of each chapter really help in understanding what is going on.
Divine Comedy: Paradise
Dante's sublime vision of Paradise is eloquently rendered here, although this translation has some mighty impressive competition. A fine introduction to Dante an his times precedes the work.
Divine Comedy translation
I am enjoying reading my copy of the Divine Comedy. It is the translation suggested for a class I am taking. What a glowing piece of poetry!
The translator of this version is just excellent, presenting the text in a beautiful flowing
I bought these 3 volumes for a course, which was then postponed indefinitely. But since I'd already started reading, I kept at it. I'd tried reading/studying the Divine Comedy before, without success - too dry. The translator of this version is just excellent, presenting the text in a beautiful flowing, readable English.
A classic that many have missed for various reasons
After giving up on this volume of The Divine Comeday several times in my younger years, I decided to give the work another try. I thought maybe maturity would make it manageable this time. That did help, but the real key to my finishing and benefiting from my experience with Paradise this timewas the inspired translation by Mark Musa. Mr. Musa obviously thought it more important for readers to understand what Dante meant, rather than just providing a word-for-word rendition of the original text, which was after all written in medieval Italian. He also provides plentiful notes and longer explanatory passages. I would recommend this edition to all who are interested in unpacking this monument of medieval literature to stimulate their own thinking about human destiny even in this modern age.
Best translation
Best English translation of this classic text.
Excellent translation for Dante's trilogy
Excellent translation for Dante's trilogy. Super clear to understand what the lines mean and who the different characters are. Highly recommend this version.
Five Stars
This was a gift for my son but he says he loves it.
Great classical book
Great book fun read. This is a must have for a classical book collection
All books are ordered for my wife who is avid reader.
For my wife’s Stanford class
Paradise; life after death
Mark Musa does a good translation. It does take some study, and the notes he give at the end of each chapter really help in understanding what is going on.
Divine Comedy: Paradise
Dante's sublime vision of Paradise is eloquently rendered here, although this translation has some mighty impressive competition. A fine introduction to Dante an his times precedes the work.
Divine Comedy translation
I am enjoying reading my copy of the Divine Comedy. It is the translation suggested for a class I am taking. What a glowing piece of poetry!
Recommend!
Obviously not an easy read at first, but once you get accustomed to Dante's writings, you will LOVE LOVE LOVE this series!
Nice Book
I bought this to place on the coffee table for guest to pick up. I do not have any bad response to what I needed
