Description
Book SynopsisA comprehensive guide to Dante's life and literature, with an emphasis on his Commedia. This text looks at the influences that shaped Dante's writing, and the reception of his work by later readers, from the 14th century to the present.
Trade Review"A richly nuanced discussion that offers an excellent introduction to Dante and will be read with profit by anyone coming to the great poet for the first time.... This is a useful and informative introduction to Dante, wide in its scope and accessible in its presentation." (Notes and Queries, December 2009)
"It is a book that can be read profitably from cover to cover, or it can be used as a resource for the reader who, for pedagogical or informational purposes, wants to pick and choose." (Speculum-A Journal of Medieval Studies, April 2009)
"All-in-one book covers everything.... Written in clean, accessible prose. Even Dante experts will enjoy Havely's refresher course. Vital in the library and classroom. Essential." (CHOICE, July 2008)
Table of ContentsList of Plates and Diagrams.
Acknowledgements.
Introduction: How to Use This Book.
Abbreviations.
Chronology of Significant Events, c.1200–1321.
Map: Dante’s Italy, c.1300.
Landmarks of a Life.
From the Baptistery to the Ponte Vecchio.
Learning in Florence.
From Florence to San Godenzo.
Landscapes of Exile.
Texts and Traditions.
Books, Authors, Libraries, Media.
Pagan Culture.
The Bible.
Faith Seeking Understanding: Christian Traditions of Thought before Dante.
Saints, Contemplatives, Visionaries.
History, Politics, Science.
The Mother Tongue and the New Style.
Reading Dante.
Seeking Guidance.
Writing the City.
Confronting the Church.
Imagining Sin and Sainthood.
Understanding Love.
The Shadow of the Argo: Travel, Poetics, Language.
Postscript: Dante’s Readers.
Chronology of Significant Events in Dante’s Afterlife, 1322–2006.
Commentary, Criticism, Canonization.
Picturing and Performing the Commedia.
Controversy, Conflict, Crime.
Purgatorio: Poetics and Politics.
A Conversation about the Paradiso.
Glossary of Literary Terms.
Works Cited.
Electronic Resources.
Index
