Dante And Milton

Dante Alighieri and John Milton, two composers of vernacular epic poems, undoubtedly hold prominent positions in the literary canons of Italy and England respectively. Both authors have been made into universally important icons deeply engrained in the world’s cultural memory; their importance, however, extends vastly beyond their mere literary and political influence. This anthology explores the synchronic and diachronic constructions of Dante and Milton as such culturally produced icons. The main focus of the contributions in this collection is the production of cultural memory regarding Dante and Milton. The juxtaposition and comparison of the two authors invites a broader perspective that goes beyond merely national contexts as it touches on the question of the emergence of a European Dante and a European Milton. At the same time, the comparison of both allows for an exploration of various processes, namely of appropriating, forgetting and side-lining parts of their histories and politics – processes which the works and legacies of both authors have been subjected to throughout their literary and cultural reception.

Comparisons have frequently been made between the works of Dante and Milton, more often than not by critics with a definite predilection one or the other poet. The author of this systematic comparison has approached the task without partisanship, but with a warm admiration for both poets. It is her contention that, although Dante was generally out of favor during the seventeenth century, even in Italy, Milton had read the Divina Commedia sympathetically and with care by the time he came to write Paradise Lost. In substantiation Professor Samuel cites many parallel uses of language, imagery, theme, and method, while also taking note of divergences. Source materials are given in the appendixes, including Milton's references to Dante and a list of previously published comparisons.

The time is the Beginning. The place is Heaven. The story is the Revolt of the Angels—a war of magic, corruption and intrigue that could destroy the universe. To Reign in Hell was Stephen Brust's second novel, and it's a thrilling retelling of the revolt of the angels, through the lens of epic fantasy. At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

"e;Life of Dante"e; brings together the earliest accounts of Dante available, putting the celebratory essay of literary genius Giovanni Boccaccio together with the historical analysis of leading humanist Leonardo Bruni. Their writings, along with the other sources included in this volume, provide a wealth of insight and information into Dante's unique character and life, from his susceptibility to the torments of passionate love, his involvement in politics, scholastic enthusiasms and military experience, to the stories behind the greatest heights of his poetic achievements.Not only are these accounts invaluable for their subject matter, they are also seminal examples of early biographical writing. Also included in this volume is a biography of Boccaccio, perhaps as great an influence on world literature as Dante himself.