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Inferno: From The Divine Comedy cover art

Inferno: From The Divine Comedy

Written by: Dante Alighieri, Benedict Flynn - translator
Narrated by: Heathcote Williams
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Publisher's Summary

"Abandon all hope you who enter here." ("Lasciate ogne speranza voi ch’intrate.") Dante’s Hell is one of the most remarkable visions in Western literature. An allegory for his and future ages, it is, at the same time, an account of terrifying realism. Passing under a lintel emblazoned with these frightening words, the poet is led down into the depths by Virgil and shown those doomed to suffer eternal torment for vices exhibited and sins committed on earth.

Inferno is the first part of the long journey which continues through redemption to revelation - through Purgatory and Paradise - and, in this translation, prepared especially for the audiobook, his images are as vivid as when the poem was first written in the early years of the 14th century.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

Public Domain (P)2004 Naxos AudioBooks

What the critics say

"Actor and writer Heathcote Williams gives a masterful performance of Benedict Flynn's blank verse translation. Williams modulates his smooth baritone into different characters, maintaining an even pace through this classic work. The cantos are punctuated by short selections of music ranging from Gregorian chant to Renaissance dance music.... A plaintive horn sounds the beginning of Inferno, the beginning of Dante's journey from The Gloomy Wood to the Circles of Hell. Dante begins alone in a fog of seeking and confusion until he encounters the shade of Virgil. When the poets begin the descent at the beginning of Canto Three, Williams's booming voice is technologically enhanced to create an echo for the famous line, "Abandon all hope, you who enter here." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about Inferno: From The Divine Comedy

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worth the hype

It's easy to see why this is a classic, epic in scale and horrifyingly detailed. loved it!

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Wonderful adaptation and narration

There is little that one can say about this Classic that has not already been said. In this particular version, the narrator is the star in mho. Terrific adaptation overall.

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Very well done

The narrator held me tightly as Virgil did Donate ascending from treachery. very well done performance.

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2 people found this helpful

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It is a gift.

Dante is a genius and Heathcote is brilliant! The challenge of reading this Old Testament is removed by the performance.

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Captivating and intriguing.

the story had good voice acting that suited the story and felt like I was on the journey.

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Abandon all hope, ye who enter here

Can be hard to follow, recomennd following a website that describes each Canto in a more easy to understand fashion. Alot of this texts values are not acceptable in todays world to say the least but this text still has value as history and with its understandings of life and death. Too better insure I followed I bookmarked anytime I was done and wrote my understandings. That really helped. Also this is hands down the darkest form of media I have ever consumed.

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Amazing imagery

Definitely add this to your reading list! I’ll be reading the other 2 next. The story tellers voice is so convincing and engaging. Great translations as well, very beautiful

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Great narrator; However

The voice of the narrator fits perfectly, but the audio quality is terrible. A few dozen times there are these weird gross stomach groaning sounds. It got really annoying throughout the audiobook

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4 people found this helpful