Dante's Divine Comedy

By: The Great Courses, Ronald B. Herzman, William R. Cook

Narrated by: Ronald B. Herzman, William R. Cook

Length: 12 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Professors Cook and Herzman provide you with an illuminating introduction to one of the greatest works ever written. One of the most profound and satisfying of all poems, The Divine Comedy (or Commedia) of Dante Alighieri is a book for life. In a brilliantly constructed narrative of his imaginary guided pilgrimage through the three realms of the Christian afterlife, Dante accomplished a literary task of astonishing complexity.

But the full achievement of the Commedia goes beyond anything merely literary. In these twenty-four lectures, as you follow Dante on his journey, you'll learn how medieval literature offers insights into fundamental questions: What is the quality of our moral actions? How does spiritual transformation come about? What is the nature of good and evil, virtue and vice, sin and sanctity? Why is the world so full of strife? How do we go on when we lose the things we love? You'll discover why, in the centuries since the Commedia was written, not one of these questions has lost its force. Moreover, you'll hear Dante address them in a demanding and innovative Italian verse form (terza rima) that makes the Commedia one of the great virtuoso pieces of world literature.

With the guidance of these two master professors, you'll learn invaluable background information on Dante's life and times; why Dante wrote the Commedia; how to approach the various English editions available; and how each part of the poem is connected to what has come before. But above all, you'll understand why the Commedia is not a puzzle to be solved or a book to be read and put aside-but a mystery whose beauty and richness is to be constantly savored.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©2001 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2001 The Great Courses

Perfect guide to a masterpiece

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Without question

Who was your favorite character and why?

This is a course taught by two professors. As a teacher, I have tried "team teaching" courses and know that it is difficult. I can't imagine a better balance and chemistry than these two professors.

Which scene was your favorite?

The explanation and narration of Paola and Francesca in the Inferno was fantastic.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Your Travel Guide for the Afterlife

Any additional comments?

I have listened to dozens of Great Courses. This is probably my favorite or near the top of my list. But you have to read The Divine Comedy to get the full effect. If you don't want to read the book, you will after you listen to this course.

Fabulous Surprise

I actually thought I was buying a traditional copy of Dante's Devine Comedy. I was surprised that it was a course on it. I might never have bought it had I known, but I am hooked on these guys and will be buying many more of these courses. Clear, concise, articulate, intellectual, VERY informative. I am so glad I stumbled on this.

As enjoyable as Dante himself

Two phenomenal professors who love their subject, and expertly share that love with us as the audience. A pleasure to listen to. Thank you to Professors Herzman and Cook for this excellent introduction to Dante's Divine Comedy.

Great help with beginning to understand Dante's work

Good suggestions on how to read and experience the Devine Comedy. The two professors work great together. Now time to tackle Dante's work again. Thanks for the great job!

Great help

I did not know much about this poem other than it had these 3 major parts.. This is one I will come back to over and over again.

Very helpful course with outstanding teachers

Ron and Bill gave an outstanding lecture series on this tough to read poem. I’d read The Divine Comedy in college, but did not really enjoy it or appreciate the story back then. This audible is fantastic preparation for reading the poem and understanding the choices that Dante made, such as specific characters, for the story. Highly recommend this listen!

so glad I got this course b-4 reading Dante

with the complexity of the poems, having two narrators was beyond awesome. I think I am now ready to read the poems. I think it will be well worth taking this course before attempting to understand Dante's comedy.

Great journey

I enjoy the lectures by Herzman & Cook. They are able to make Dante accessible and enjoyable to average people like me who find enrichment in continuous learning, even though I’m 50.

Terrific

A great help in understanding Dante's influential masterpiece. Plenty of explanations, guidance, and historical context. I enjoyed the double teacher approach. Will listen to this again. Learned so much, and there's still more to learn about this opus.

Hell

Narrators spoke too rapidly and name-clarity was lost. Too many dates, places, people names to be processed at a rate more suitable to college students instead of mature listeners. I use Audible because brain tumor compromised my vision. My auditory skills are high, but voice and diction of these narrators are mediocre.