December 8, 2021 New Book Explores the Legacy of Dante Alighieri's "The Divine Comedy"

Dante Alighieri’s Italian narrative poem, “The Divine Comedy” has been one of the foundational texts of European literature for over 700 years. This richly layered literary work has been interpreted in many different ways over the centuries. Yet, many mysteries still remain about its symbolism.

In the new book, “The Unexpected Dante: Perspectives on the Divine Comedy,” five leading scholars offer fresh perspectives on the meanings and reception of “The Divine Comedy.” Some investigate Dante’s intentions by exploring the poem’s esoteric allusions to topics ranging from musical instruments to Roman law. Others examine the poem’s long afterlife and reception in the United States. The book also showcases new discoveries about Nicolaus de Laurentii’s 1481 edition of the “Comedy” and the creative contemporary adaptations that have relocated Dante’s visions of heaven and hell to urban American settings.

This study includes a guide that showcases selected treasures from the extensive Dante collections at the Library of Congress, illustrating the depth and variety of the global influence of “The Divine Comedy.” “The Unexpected Dante” is thus a boon to both Dante scholars and aficionados of this literary masterpiece.

The book is published in December by Bucknell University Press in association with the Library of Congress and distributed worldwide by Rutgers University Press.

“The Unexpected Dante” is available in paperback ($34.95), hardcover ($79.95) and ebook ($39.95) formats from booksellers worldwide. Softcovers are available for purchase from the Library of Congress Shop at library-of-congress-shop.myshopify.com/.

* Note to Media: Press Images from the Book Available Upon Request

About the Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United States, and extensive materials from around the world, both on-site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.

About Bucknell University Press

Internationally distinguished in Iberian Studies, Latin American, Irish, and eighteenth-century studies, Bucknell University Press has been publishing in the arts, humanities and social sciences since 1968, since when we have published approximately 1200 titles. Formerly in association with Associated University Presses (1968-2010) and the Rowman & Littlefield Publishing Group (2010-2018), we currently operate in a new partnership with Rutgers University Press (since 2018). A member of the Association of University Presses (formerly the AAUP), our authors come from a dozen different countries and from across the USA, including the Bucknell campus.

About Rutgers University Press

Rutgers University Press is dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge to scholars, students, and the general reading public. The Press reflects and extends the University’s core mission of research, instruction, and service. We enhance the work of our authors through exceptional publications that shape critical issues, spark debate, and enrich teaching throughout the world for a wide range of readers.