Understanding Dante

Library Journal

Scott, a senior research fellow at the University of Western Australia, has been teaching Dante for over 40 years and is one of the leading Dantista in the world today. He brings this life of teaching and reading to this magisterial overview of Dante's known works (excluding those of controversial attribution, such as the Fiore). The book arranges Dante's works more or less chronologically, discussing each in terms of its various themes. Of special value is the full discussion of less well known works, e.g., the Convivio and Monarchia. Scott's readings are deeply informed by the criticism, following a middle ground among competing interpretations. More on the available translation of Dante's works would have been helpful. Otherwise, it is hard to imagine a better single-volume handbook suitable as an introductory text for students and a handy reference for advanced scholars. Highly recommended for academic libraries. T.L. Cooksey, Armstrong Atlantic State Univ., Savannah, GA Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.