The Divine Comedy was begun by The Supreme Poet, Dante Alighieri in 1308 and completed in 1320.  It is one of the greatest works in world literature and considered the preeminent piece of Italian literature.  Written in the Tuscan language and divided into three parts: Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso, it helped establish Tuscan as the standardized Italian language.

This travel tale through three parts of Hell is actually an allegory that depicts the soul’s journey toward God.  It draws on medieval Christian theology and philosophy, particularly that of Thomas Aquinas.  We will have posts on Aquinas’ work throughout the coming year.  For a sneak peak, you might want to take a look at Summa Theologica. Why?  Because many say that The Divine Comedy is the Summa put into verse form.

You may read The Divine Comedy, Canto XXIV at:

http://www.bartleby.com/20/124.html

Alternatively,  it may be listened to in an audiobook format here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqjSPzkFHBo