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Dante's Divine Comedy

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

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One of the best Audio book I have ever heard

I must confess that I had absolutely no background, or even interest in classic readings prior to this audio book. The reason for the purchase was to broaden my reading, as it was limited to say the least. I have since listened to this audio in its entirety about 5 times - This is a first! I would probably say that aside from the text the presentors are the reason why it is so amazing. The two presentors are so well versed in the text and so engaging at the same time, which makes it so fascinating. I particularly like it when they crack little scholar "in house" Dante jokes throughout their lectures. These two are without doubt two of the best lecturers I have heard to date. They bring an understanding that is quite remarkable. In short, I can not recommend this enough - congratulations and thak you.

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Possibly life changing for Me

This was an incredible walkthrough The Divine Comedy. I feel like I will experience the story in 4K high definition after listening the this.
The two Professors were 10/10 in their performance.

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Great introduction

This was a great lesson covering off the history, the poetry and theology by providing a rich context. It was really effective heaving two speakers to talking off each other

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