The Best English Version of Dantes Divine Comedy and Why

The Best English Version of Dante's Divine Comedy and Why

Introduction to Dante's Divine Comedy

Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy is a masterpiece of world literature, a metaphysical and allegorical work that has captivated readers for centuries. The poem is composed in the terza rima, a complex rhyme scheme that relies on three-line tercets with interlocking rhymes, a poetic form that Dante mastered and employed with great panache.

Exploring the Best Translations

When selecting the best English version of Dante's Divine Comedy, various factors come into play, including the translator's ability to preserve the original's rhyme scheme, maintain the poet's tone, and convey the subtleties of the text. Let's delve into some of the most prominent translations and why they stand out.

Dorothy Sayers' Penguin Classic Translation

Dorothy Sayers' translation, published in the Penguin Classics series, is often considered a standout. Sayers worked with the assistance of Barbara Reynolds on the Paradiso. Her choice to preserve terza rima and maintain Dante's sense of fun, particularly in lighter moments, is a significant aspect that endears this translation to many readers.

The translation caught my attention during a detailed read of Inferno Canto 21, where Sayers brilliantly translates a vivid description of a farting devil with humor: "The devil made a bugle of his breech." This not only illustrates the translator's playful approach but also the lively nature of the original poem. The extensive notes in this edition are also notably helpful for readers seeking to deepen their understanding of the work.

The 2000 Translation by Robert and Jean Hollander

The translation by Robert and Jean Hollander is another highly regarded version. This poetic translation maintains a light yet precise touch, ensuring that it never overshadows Dante's original. Its line-by-line faithfulness and outstanding notes make it an invaluable resource for those studying the work academically or for leisure reading.

This version, published in 2000, is particularly noted for its accurate rendering of the terza rima form, which is often a challenge to replicate in English. Literary scholars and casual readers both appreciate the clarity and elegance of this translation, making it a top choice among many.

Robert Pinsky's Translation of Inferno

Robert Pinsky's translation of Inferno is well-loved for its poetic quality. Pinsky's translation is both lyrical and accessible, making the work more approachable for modern readers without sacrificing the depth and complexity of the original. While his full translation of the entire poem isn't as widely known, his dedication to each canto ensures a fresh and vivid interpretation.

The Modern Version by Marcus Sanders and Sandow Birk

Marcus Sanders and Sandow Birk have collaborated on a particularly novel and modernized version of The Divine Comedy. They set the epic in contemporary Los Angeles/US, offering a fresh perspective on the medieval text. The translation is coupled with visual art reminiscent of Gustave Doré, which brings a visual dimension to the reading experience.

This version proves to be an exciting and unconventional adaptation, making the classic text accessible to a new generation of readers. It's a playful and artistic endeavor that reimagines Dante's epic in a modern context, blending the original text with contemporary sensibilities.

Conclusion

Choosing the best translation of Dante's Divine Comedy depends significantly on your purpose—whether it's for academic study, leisure reading, or an entertaining modern reimagining. Each of the versions discussed here offers unique strengths, and it's worth exploring different translations to find the one that resonates most with you.