Description
Book SynopsisFor over seven centuries, Dante and his masterpiece,
The Divine Comedy, have held a special place in Western culture. The poem is at once a vivid journey through hell to heaven, a poignant love story, and a picture of humanity's relationship to God. It is so richly imaginative that a first reading can be bewildering. In response, Peter Hawkins has written an inspiring introduction to the poet, his greatest work, and its abiding influence. His knowledge of Dante and enthusiasm for his vision make him an expert guide for the willing reader.
Trade Review?Hawkins? book has been written with students and teachers in mind, and having used it in the classroom, I can say that in this it succeeds signally.? (
Theology, September 2009)
?Peter Hawkins offers us a learned but highly original study, unapologetically personal in perspective, that soars beyond the ?brief, accessible, and lively accounts? enjoined by the Blackwell series.? (Religion and the Arts, November 2008)
?The medieval Italian poet Dante is one of those literary ?greats? that many believe only really clever, highly-educated people can access and enjoy. Fortunately, self-confessed Dante lover, Peter Hawkins, has written a little gem of a book which gives us less scholarly types a glimpse ? [It] represents his effort to transition a lifetime?s passion and scholarship into a highly readable, most satisfying encounter with this master artist/theologian. Anyone who has ever contemplated life, death and beyond, will find treasures and wisdom for life?s journey in this slim, 194 pages volume.? (Methodist Recorder)
"An accessible writing style, small format and attractive contemporary art will make the book appealing to readers new to Dante. Those already proficient will delight in the many new perspectives and insights the author provides." (America: The National Catholic Weekly)
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations xi
Acknowledgments xiii
List of Abbreviations xv
Prologue: Invitation to a Reader xvii
1 Dante’s Life and Works 1
The Life Story 3
The Figure of Beatrice 6
Political Life 8
The Work of Exile 11
On Vernacular Eloquence and Philosophy for All 14
Universal Empire 16
The Birth of the Commedia 17
Vision or Brainstorm? 18
Textual Inspiration for the Poem 20
Early Circulation of the Poem 23
2 Dante’s Journey to God 29
Inferno 33
Purgatorio 47
Paradiso 60
3 Dante’s Beatrice 71
The Advent of Beatrice 72
The Problem of Beatrice 73
The Novelty of Beatrice 76
Bidding Adieu 78
Eros and Sex in the Commedia 83
Paolo and Francesca, Dante and Beatrice 84
Dante’s Sexuality 88
A Beloved in the Flesh 93
4 Dante’s Religion 98
Dante’s Core Beliefs 99
Christian Florence 101
A Personal Faith Story 105
But Where is Christ? 107
The Christ of the Theologians 108
Mediations of Christ in the Commedia 110
Mary as Christ’s Flesh 113
Daughter of Her Son 120
The Beatific Smile 122
5 Dante’s Afterlife 131
Dante in English 137
From Beyond the Pale to Cultural Centrality 139
Twentieth-Century Dante 144
The Artist’s Dante 149
The Commedia in Performance: Drama, Film, Television 150
Postmodern Dante 153
Commedia in Comics 159
What Next? 163
Notes 167
Bibliography 176
Index 184
