The Vision – Dante Alighieri – 1881 | Cary Translation, Poems

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, entitled ‘The Vision’ and translated by H.F. Cary, is Cary’s most famous and important work. In 1814, Cary published his translation on his own, as publishers would not take on the risk.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Vision; or hell, purgatory, and paradise
• Author: Dante Alighieri
• Contributor: H F Cary (Translator)
• Publisher: Boston: T. Y. Crowell & Co., 1881.
• Binding: Decorative red hardcover, with Victorian embellishments
• Format: Octavo (12mo), single volume
• Size: ~ 7.5 in x 5.25 in (19 cm x 13.5 cm)
• Collation: x, 452
• Illustrations: 6 engravings
• Contents Include:
  • Hell
  • Purgatory
  • Paradise
• Provenance: Bookplate of Walter Weld Webber on front pastedown, stamp on title page

Condition:

Very Good. The decorative hardcover binding is lightly frayed at the spine ends and corners, with some rubbing to the back board, but the gilt titling and stamped decorative elements remain bright and clear. The hinges are secure, and the text block is intact if slightly loose. Pages show only very mild age-toning, and red page borders are distinct.

Why Collect This?

• Full text of the classic Divine Comedy
• Attractive Victorian binding with decorative accents
• Cary Translation

Item Number: #31234