Dante: A Brief History (Wiley Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion): 17

Dante: A Brief History (Wiley Blackwell Brief Histories of Religion): 17

by Hawkins (Author)

Synopsis

For over seven centuries, Dante and his masterpiece, The Divine Comedy, have held a special place in Western culture. The poem is at once a vivid journey through hell to heaven, a poignant love story, and a picture of humanity's relationship to God. It is so richly imaginative that a first reading can be bewildering. In response, Peter Hawkins has written an inspiring introduction to the poet, his greatest work, and its abiding influence. His knowledge of Dante and enthusiasm for his vision make him an expert guide for the willing reader.

$139.52

Quantity

20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 228
Edition: 1
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
Published: 22 Sep 2006

ISBN 10: 1405130512
ISBN 13: 9781405130516

Media Reviews
A Hawkins' book has been written with students and teachers in mind, and having used it in the classroom, I can say that in this it succeeds signally.A ( Theology, September 2009) A The unmistakably personal voice in which the book is written is by turns amusing, touching, and finally compelling, as it moves - without, and this is Hawkins's great achievement, ever losing sight of Dante himself - from youthful memories to anecdotes of the classroom to rueful acknowledgment of emotional failure and loss to ominous visions of impending dissolution.A (Speculum, Winter 2009) A The medieval Italian poet Dante is one of those literary 'greats' that many believe only really clever, highly-educated people can access and enjoy. Fortunately, self-confessed Dante lover, Peter Hawkins, has written a little gem of a book which gives us less scholarly types a glimpse A... [It] represents his effort to transition a lifetime's passion and scholarship into a highly readable, most satisfying encounter with this master artist/theologian. Anyone who has ever contemplated life, death and beyond, will find treasures and wisdom for life's journey in this slim, 194 pages volume.A (Methodist Recorder) An accessible writing style, small format and attractive contemporary art will make the book appealing to readers new to Dante. Those already proficient will delight in the many new perspectives and insights the author provides. (America: The National Catholic Weekly)
Author Bio
Peter S. Hawkins is Professor of Religion at Boston University, where he directs the Luce Program in Scripture and Literary Arts. His publications include Dante's Testaments: Essays on Scriptural Imagination (1999), The Poets' Dante: Twentieth-Century Reflections (edited with Rachel Jacoff, 2000), and The Language of Grace (2005).