Dante's Inferno

A Study on Part I of The Divine Comedy

By: Anthony Esolen PhD

Narrated by: Anthony Esolen PhD

The Greatest Poem Ever Written

Dante's The Divine Comedy can rightly be called the greatest poem ever written, praised through the ages by a pantheon of writers and scholars. Romantic poet William Wordsworth (1770-1850) referred to Dante's crowned "visionary brow". Irish novelist James Joyce (1882-1941) said, "Dante is my spiritual food!" Pope Benedict XV (1854-1922) called Dante "the most eloquent singer of the Christian idea". Even the 20th century literary critic T.S. Eliot (1888-1965) famously wrote that "Shakespeare and Dante divide the world between them, there is no third."

Yet today this great poem is often dismissed by modern scholars for its unabashed Catholic theology and deep spiritual vision. Shrug off the unfounded disdain of these skeptics, and discover for yourself the true grandeur, Christian nature, and sheer artistry of Dante's The Divine Comedy.

Your Expert Guide

Just as Dante needed Virgil to lead him through the bowels of Hell, you also need a true and trustworthy guide. Dr. Anthony Esolen serves as your Virgil in this course on the Inferno, the first canticle of The Divine Comedy. An expert who has taught Dante to college students for more than 20 years, Professor Esolen is also the preeminent modern translator of the entire Divine Comedy from the original Italian.

The Nine Circles of Hell

With Professor Esolen you will enter the terrible gates of Hell and progress level by infernal level to its diabolical depths. Professor Esolen places a special emphasis on the drama of the poem, leading you through each canto in succession. Along the way, you will learn:

• Dante's astonishing human and theological insights
• The destiny of man
• How to find our way out of the wilderness of sin
• The relationship between love and knowledge
• The integral unity between body and soul

Professor Esolen will more than satisfy your curiosity about Hell and the fate of the damned. He will reveal in all its starkness the horror of sin and awaken in your heart a longing for divine love.

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

©2012 Saint Benedict Press, LLC (P)2012 Saint Benedict Press, LLC

This Lecture is UNBELIEVABLEY AWESOME !

Brings a whole new understanding to Dantes Inferno. His added commentary really brings the story / poem into an entirely new light for me.

Thanks

Thank you Mr. Esolen, I know so much more about the Divine comedy now… I’ve been reading it over and over now but your guidance was priceless.

Great book companion.

Excellent narration along with the necessary details needed. Helpful if you read along with narrative.

Deepen your plunge into the Inferno

Really excellent companion to your own journey through Dante’s Inferno. Provides extensive insight to deepen understanding and taught by someone who makes you simply want to learn more.

A must have when reading Dante

This is an excellent companion to Dante. Professor Esolen is knowledgeable and a good speaker.