2002 AudioFile Earphones Award
Dante's vision, "The Divine Comedy", has profoundly affected every generation since it first appeared in the early 14th century. Here is a brief account of his life, compiled from various sources (including his first biographer, Boccaccio) by Benedict Flynn, whose new translation of the Comedy, on Naxos AudioBooks, read by Heathcote Williams, has been widely acclaimed. It sets the known facts of Dante's life against the turmoil of the times, and puts the very personal nature of his poetry into perspective.
Music: Medieval Italian music
"Shrapnel is a dramatic and persuasive guide through the dark tunnels of 13th-century Italy and the music is characteristically well matched. If you, (like me) have been bowled over by the three volumes of 'La Divina Commedia', then this CD will obviously be essential to the Dante audiobook collection."
