Poet and translator Steve Ellis completes his new version of Dante's Divine Comedy, the astonishing epic that has shaped art and culture since the 14th century
Dante Alighieri (Author)
Dante, or Durante deli Alighieri, was born in Florence, Italy,
circa 1265. His family was connected with the Guelph political
alliance, supporters of the Papacy. His mother died before Dante's
tenth birthday. Dante himself was betrothed to Gemma di Manetto
Donati when he was aged only 12. The pair went on to marry, but
Dante's true love was for Beatrice Portinari, who would inspire
much of his poetry. Dante and Gemma had several children.
Dante was a member of Florence's Apothecaries' Guild, though he did
not practice as a pharmacist. Allied to the White Guelphs, with
whom he fought against the vanquishing Black Guelphs, he was
eventually condemned to perpetual exile from Florence. He went
first to Verona and then to Liguria. There is speculation that he
travelled more widely, including to Paris and Oxford, although this
has not been verified.
During his time of exile Dante conceived and wrote the three poems
which form The Divine Comedy. He died in 1321, aged 56, of
suspected malaria. He was buried in Ravenna, Italy, where a tomb
was later erected in his name.
Stephen Wyatt is a playwright and dramatist with extensive
experience in stage, radio and television.
Steve Ellis (Translator)
Steve Ellis, a Professor in English at the University of
Birmingham, was born and brought up in York, and studied in
Florence as part of his doctorate for London University. His
frustration as a student with existing translations of Dante
spurred a long-lasting desire to translate it himself.His critical
works include Dante and English Poetry- Shelley to T.S. Eliot and a
study of Eliot's Four Quartets. A major Gregory Award winner, he
has also published two books of poetry, Home and Away and West
Pathway
"Steve Ellis has aimed for a tangy, stripped-down concision, and
got it . . . simultaneously clear and energetic . . . This is a
very physical, immediately painful hell. It makes you wince."
--Guardian
"Energetic, racy, rude and lyrical . . . buy this translation and
spend a damn good season in hell." --Independent
"Excellent. Dante's vision vibrates again in all its original
colour. The effect is dazzling." --Independent on Sunday
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