(Review is of the Penguin Classics translation by Mark Musa, and applies to all three volumes, Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradisio)

I would not think to quibble with reviewing Dante himself - Dante is a master, and doesn't need my endorsement. I will say, however, that Musa's translation is an exceptionally sensitive one, and his comprehensive notes are an invaluable aid to the reader less familiar with Dante's broad spheres of reference. Musa is clearly a devoted scholar of Dante, and his concern for Dante's original meaning and tone is evident. This is one of the best translations of The Comedia available. ( )

Inferno is my favorite installment of the trilogy, but all three are wonderful. ( )

I am sorry, I just couldn't read it! I restarted the book 4 times and each time I had no idea of what I had read. A good friend of mine told me that it would be easier to read if one had studied the bible since there is so much reference made to the biblical stories. ( )

Excellent piece of literature, descriptive writing at its best. The author has a wild imagination. ( )

I'd never read this, though references to it abound in countless books, movies, etc. I found the translation (having not even the slightest knowledge of Italian) very readable/accessible/beautiful in parts. Recommendation: if you want to find out the source of most of what we think about hell, go to hell...with Dante. ( )