Il Comento alla Divina Commedia, e gli altri scritti intorno a Dante, vol. 2

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Il Comento alla Divina Commedia, e gli altri scritti intorno a Dante, vol. 2

(9 User reviews) 1712

By Frederick Richter Posted on Mar 18, 2026

In Category - Civilizations

Authors: Boccaccio, Giovanni, 1313-1375 Published By : Boccaccio, Giovanni, 1313-1375

Book Language: Italian

Okay, so you know Dante's 'Divine Comedy,' right? The epic poem about Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven. Now, imagine if one of the first and most important guides to that mind-bending masterpiece was written by his biggest fan, a guy who practically invented the modern short story. That's what you get here. This isn't just a dusty old commentary; it's Giovanni Boccaccio—the author of 'The Decameron'—sitting you down and trying to save Dante's legacy. He's not just explaining the poetry; he's fighting a battle. In 14th-century Florence, Dante's work was controversial, even a little dangerous. Boccaccio had to convince people that this poem was a national treasure, not something heretical. He gives us the first major biography of Dante, defends his use of the everyday Italian language instead of fancy Latin, and unpacks the wild symbolism. Reading this is like getting a backstage pass to the creation of a literary legend, hosted by the legend's first and most passionate publicist.

File: Il Comento alla Divina Commedia, e gli altri scritti intorno a Dante, vol. 2

Let's be clear: this book is not the 'Divine Comedy' itself. Think of it as the ultimate DVD bonus features for Dante's epic. Giovanni Boccaccio, famous for his own racy and human stories in 'The Decameron,' was obsessed with Dante. In this volume, he collects his life's work as a Dante scholar and evangelist.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. Instead, Boccaccio builds a case. He starts with a biography of Dante, piecing together the poet's life from stories and records. This was groundbreaking—it helped turn Dante from a man into a myth. Then, he dives into his commentary on the first part of the 'Comedy,' the 'Inferno.' But he's doing more than explaining tricky lines. He's constantly defending Dante's choices: Why write in Italian? Why put popes and politicians in Hell? Why mix classical mythology with Christian theology? Boccaccio acts as Dante's lawyer, arguing that the poem is a profound work of genius that can guide readers to a better life, not lead them astray.

Why You Should Read It

This book changes how you see the 'Divine Comedy.' You're not just reading a medieval poem; you're seeing how it was received and protected in its own time. Boccaccio's passion is contagious. His voice is surprisingly personal—you can feel his frustration with Dante's critics and his awe for the poetry. He makes the dense symbolism feel urgent and alive. It's a fascinating look at how literary reputations are made. Before universities and English classes, it was fans like Boccaccio who decided what was worth saving. He's the bridge between Dante's world and ours.

Final Verdict

This is for the curious reader who loves 'The Divine Comedy' and wants to go deeper. It's perfect for history buffs interested in the Renaissance, writers fascinated by how stories survive, and anyone who's ever been a superfan of an artist. It's not a light read—you need some familiarity with Dante—but it's a rewarding one. You'll walk away feeling like you've had a long, intense conversation with one of literature's great champions.