A Modern Reader's Guide to Dante's the Divine Comedy | 
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Product Description
The Divine Comedy has been a cornerstone of Western literature for the better part of a millennium. In this work, Joseph Gallagher brings the power and prestige of this medieval classic to a new generation of readers--taking them on a guided tour through heaven, purgatory, and hell.
(Formerly titled To Hell and Back with Dante)
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Customer Reviews:
• Exactly What I Was Looking For 28 November, 2007
This is exactly what I was looking for, a simple tour that I could read in my free time. I also bought a book with the Dore Illustrations of the Divine Comedy. A perfect way to go through the Comedy without actually reading it. Recommended for all of those who won't read the poetic translations but want to educate themselves with this important work of art.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A15X4EAOY5QDCO
• Don't Read Dante Without It 07 April, 2008
A few years ago I read the prose translation of the Divine Comedy by John D. Sinclair. From the Inferno onward, I became both immersed and bewildered by the allusions, allegories and elements of Dante's masterpiece. By the time I got to see Beatrice in the Paradiso, I really felt more confused than awed.
I didn't absorb as much as I wanted to. The notes provided by Sinclair were concise but I really didn't have a context nor a deeper understanding of Dante's world. All I can say, is I wish I had this book with me at the time.
Gallagher begins with an Introduction, a "question and answer" section set up like an interview concerning Dante's background. The questions are straightforwards as are the answers. Then he takes on the three canticles, going Canto by Canto, exploring extra information (should it be needed) in the Notes following each substantial but brief exposition. Gallagher knows his Divine Comedy, he enlightens the reader by comparing passages, shedding light on the various themes, motifs and the Italian wordplay Dante incorporated (like Shakespeare, Dante was influential in creating his nation's modern vernacular). And of course he provides information on the fiction/non-fictional figures throughout the work.
I don't think there will ever be a specific, absolute interpretation of The Divine Comedy. Nor will there ever be a perfect way to tackle the text. Reading the Comedia of Dante is all about exploration but I think having Gallagher along as a guide is your best bet. He also has a nice bibliography at the end so you can take that next step. It would make Virgil proud.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A38M4BOJ8XXH1X
• Essential !! 29 March, 2006
Dante is difficult to read, and I found this guide to be extremely useful. I also used the Cliff's notes, which were fine, and which supplemented Freccero's guide. My feeling is that most readers of Dante will benefit from all the help they can acquire, and having the Modern Reader's Guide is virtually essential!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1AEGRG5TJX8M9
• Tour Guide Available For Trip "to Hell And Back" 29 March, 2000
Joseph Gallagher, a retired Catholic priest and professor, who has taught at such venerable institutions as John Hopkins, Notre Dame, Loyola, and Oxford presents on an easy-to-understand guide through the intricacies of Dante's imaginative work. Written in a conversational style that anyone can understand, this expert tutor of many students for over 50 years explains each of the characters canto by canto. The outline at the beginning is a great help. While it is not as analytical as that of Erich Auerbach's "Mimesis", this book is a valuable addition. It should prove indispensable for those who need a companion guide; the homeschooler's library should contain this erudite explanation.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A16QODENBJVUI1
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