Dante - Divina Commedia - 1786

In The Divine Comedy, Dante Alighieri recounts an imaginary journey through the beyond. Lost in a forest symbolizing moral misguidance, he is guided by the Latin poet Virgil. Together, they first traverse Hell, where souls are punished according to their sins and where Lucifer reigns at the bottom of the abysses.

They then continue their journey toward Purgatory, a mountain where souls purify themselves before attaining salvation. At the summit, Virgil yields to Beatrice, who guides Dante in Paradise through the celestial spheres. The journey ends with the vision of God, symbol of spiritual illumination.

Dante Alighieri was born in 1265 in Florence. Poet and intellectual, he is deeply marked by Beatrice Portinari, who becomes the central figure of his poetic imagination.

Engaged in Florence's politics, he is condemned to exile in 1302 following factional struggles. During his years of wandering in Italy, he writes The Divine Comedy, his major work. He dies in 1321 in Ravenna, still in exile, but his work will make him one of the greatest authors of world literature.

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DANTE - La Divina Commedia.

Paris, 1787.

3 volumes in-16, complete.

Fine full calfskin decorative bindings in good condition. Smooth spines nicely ornamented with a title piece and volume designation in morocco. Wear and small losses at corners and headpieces. Speckled edges. Interior clean.

Very nice copy of this classic work.