The Divine Comedy

By: Dante Alighieri, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - translator

Narrated by: Charlton Griffin

Dante's Divine Comedy is considered to be not only the most important epic poem in Italian literature, but also one of the greatest poems ever written. It consists of 100 cantos, and (after an introductory canto) they are divided into three sections. Each section is 33 cantos in length, and they describe how Dante and a guide travel through Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso.

Expertly translated here by the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Dante's masterpiece leaps vividly to life in this production.

Philosophically, the poem is based on the theological works of St. Thomas Aquinas. The Divine Comedy is essentially an allegory of the progress of the human soul toward God and the progress of mankind toward peace on earth. Many of the characters involved are drawn from ancient Roman history and from Dante's contemporaries, making the work a realistic picture of Italian life in the early 14th century. As well, it is an intensely developed analysis of human affairs. In structure the poem appears to be a description of the afterlife. But it is in essence, a compassionate, oral evaluation of humanity and a mystical vision of the Absolute toward which mankind struggles. The Divine Comedy endures today because of the universality of its drama and the lyric quality of the poetry, and not as the result of any doctrinal content.

Public Domain (P)2009 Audio Connoisseur

Wonderful Performance

The narration was great and I especially liked the background noises at the beginning of each canto. It was a little difficult to follow in places, being poetry, but that was more a deficiency in the listener than the performance. I would heartily recommend it.

Great book!

Great book to reference history. This book will have you studying other sources to confirm facts. I really enjoyed. It also broadens the imagination. I do believe we can all strengthen our minds with new creative thoughts.

Faith gives substance the things we desire;

This was an outstanding ride! It ebbed and flowed with energy, generally starting with tragedy and ending in comedy. A masterpiece, performed by Mr. Griffin with gusto and expertise. 10/10 recommend, and I will listen again, more than once, I am certain.

Not for listening.

Longfellow was a wonderful poet, but the linguistic hoops he jumps through to preserve the form of the cantos leaves comprehension in the dust for the listener. Charlton Griffin can't save this muddle. It is almost incomprehensible at times. Almost everything in Italian rhymes, not so with English. One thing that is missing is comprehensive footnotes on the political background and personalities that Dante meets. Still, the language is beautiful, just don't expect to follow it in your car.

Divine Comedy

The epic of all epics. Carlton Griffin is magnificent. His pronunciation and intonation made it so much more reachable.