Dante: The Story of His Life

Marco Santagata's Dante: The Story of His Life is a comprehensive biography that explores Dante's life as a writer, philosopher, father, courtier, and political partisan. It combines a vast body of Italian scholarship with English readers and demonstrates how local and regional politics influenced the composition of The Commedia. The book received critical acclaim, including being named a Times Literary Supplement Book of the Year, a Marginal Revolution Best Non-Fiction Book of the Year, a Seminary Co-op Notable Book of the Year, a Times Higher Education Book of the Week, and a Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 496 pages
\n Publication date: 07 May 2018
\n Publisher: Harvard University Press
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Marco Santagata's Dante: The Story of His Life is a captivating exploration of one of the world's greatest poets, delving into various aspects of his life and work. Through a vast array of Italian scholarship, Santagata untangles the complex web of family and political relationships in Dante's medieval world, providing English readers with a clear understanding of the context. Additionally, he sheds light on how local and regional politics influenced the composition of The Commedia, a masterpiece considered both sublime and universal.

In his biography, Santagata reveals that The Divine Comedy, widely regarded as one of the cornerstones of Western literature, is the product of vicious factionalism and is filled with scandalous details. He challenges the traditional notion that Dante's work is purely spiritual and universal, instead presenting it as a reflection of the political and social climate of his time.

One of the remarkable aspects of Santagata's book is its ability to bring Dante's life to life. He provides a detailed account of the poet's experiences, from his childhood in Florence to his exile in Ravenna and his eventual return to his beloved city. Santagata's writing is lively and engaging, making it accessible to readers who may not be familiar with Dante's works.

Furthermore, Santagata offers valuable insights into Dante's philosophical and theological beliefs. He explores the influence of Plato, Aristotle, and other classical thinkers on Dante's thought, as well as the role of religion in his poetry. Through his analysis, Santagata sheds light on the complex interplay between faith, politics, and human nature that characterized Dante's era.

Dante: The Story of His Life is not only a valuable resource for scholars and students of literature but also a captivating read for anyone interested in history, philosophy, and the arts. Santagata's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a must-have for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Dante and his remarkable legacy.

In conclusion, Marco Santagata's Dante: The Story of His Life is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on one of the world's greatest poets. Through his extensive scholarship and engaging writing, Santagata provides English readers with a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Dante's life and work. This book is a valuable addition to the literature and cultural studies, and it will be cherished by scholars and enthusiasts alike for years to come.

\n Weight: 706g\n
Dimension: 159 x 248 x 37 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780674984066\n \n