The Divine Comedy – Dante – 1891 | Flaxman Illustrations | Divine Comedy

Dante’s Divine Comedy is one of the most impactful and enduring works of world literature. The epic poem details a vision of a complex, allegorical journey through the spiritual realms of Hell, Purgatory, and Paradise, guided by his deceased lover, Beatrice, as well as Virgil and Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. Dante masterfully blends mythology with medieval politics, comparing the deeds of historical figures with the merits of famous literary characters as he assigns them proportionate, poetic justice in the afterlife. The classic narrative is rich in social commentary, especially regarding the hypocrisy of those who were highly regarded by society in life and yet, in Dante’s vision, are counted among the citizens of Hell.

This rare English edition of ‘The Divine Comedy’ and translated by I.C. Wright, features 34 steel engraved illustrations by John Flaxman.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Divine Comedy
• Author: Dante Alighieri
• Contributor: I.C. Wright (translator)
• Illustrator: John Flaxman
• Publisher: London: George Bell and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden, 1891.
• Binding: Three-quarter vellum with marbled paper
• Format: Octavo (12mo), single volume
• Size: ~ 7.5 in x 5 in (18.5 cm x 12 cm)
• Collation: xxiv, 460
• Illustrations: 34 steel engravings, plus engraved portrait frontispiece of Dante
• Contents Include:
  • Hell
  • Purgatory
  • Paradise

Condition:

Very Good. The ¾ vellum binding is lightly soiled from handling, with marbled paper inset moderately browned, with but remains secure with tight hinges. The text block is intact and secure, with very slight age-toning throughout, and gilt page edges bright. Marbled endpapers are clean with occasional spotting.

Why Collect This?

• Full text of the classic Divine Comedy
• Attractive binding with decorative accents
• Flaman Steel Engravings

Item Number: #31235