Paradiso (Bantam Classics) by Dante Alighieri (1986)

(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. ( )

Part Three of one of the best stories of all-time. Top Ten in my favorite books. ( )

To be honest, this and Purgatory bored me to tears. I cannot recall many details, other than I found the poetic translation to be clumsy and borderline insipid. In retrospect, I would have rather have read a prose version. ( )

This part works beautifully as a counterpart to the Inferno -- rrrrrrright up until the part where he decides that calling something indescribable is a substitute for descriptions.

I mean, who does he think he is, Lovecraft? ( )