Dante's Divine Comedy is undoubtedly a poem of epic proportions. I started to read this on a whim, then got so engrossed that I couldn't stop. The torment of the souls in Hell and Purgatory were absolutely mortifying. The clarity that Dante writes with provides such mental pictures in these two canticles that would make one cringe, and, for those with weak constitutions, vomit.

When one enters Hell, a Who's Who of classical literature seems to appear, from Homer to the subject of his wr... (show more)

Dante's Divine Comedy is undoubtedly a poem of epic proportions. I started to read this on a whim, then got so engrossed that I couldn't stop. The torment of the souls in Hell and Purgatory were absolutely mortifying. The clarity that Dante writes with provides such mental pictures in these two canticles that would make one cringe, and, for those with weak constitutions, vomit.

When one enters Hell, a Who's Who of classical literature seems to appear, from Homer to the subject of his writing, Achilles. Charon, Phlegyas, Judas Iscariot, Plato, Brutus, Ephialtes, Geryon, Muhammad, and King Minos are a few characters who are taken from history and mythology to populate the nine infamous circles of the damned. Those who just read the Inferno are really only starting the book, and they are missing out of a very enriching experience - the other two-thirds of an epic.

The Mount of Purgatory and its various Whips and Reins are breathtaking and exhilirating. Heaven and its rewards were very interesting, and, at times, simply incredible. All in all, the trilogy of canticles are just an astounding piece of literature that have stood and will continue to stand the test of time. I believe that this book will continue to dazzle, disgust, and tickle the fancies of many more readers in the future. (show less)