Rating: 
Summary: Great translation, but needs illustrations
Review: This translation is excellent: it follows the modern trend of direct, literal translations, eschewing rhyming or stilted language. The translation is accompanied by the original italian, as well as extensive annotations that shed light on all the allegories and personalities that are not familiar to 21st century english speakers. Personally, I would like some illustrations in the book. But the translation is fantastic, and for that alone I would recommend this over other editions. The Inferno, in any translation, is not for everyone: most of its content is steeped in middle ages allegory, and frankly, not very relevant to modern life. Back then, sin and salvation were the cornerstone of life, and exploring the nine levels of hell (with details like 10 different kinds of theft) was a meaningful exercise. But nowadays, the book appeals mostly to students of history and christiantity.
Rating:
Summary: Great translation, but needs illustrations
Review: This translation is excellent: it follows the modern trend of direct, literal translations, eschewing rhyming or stilted language. The translation is accompanied by the original italian, as well as extensive annotations that shed light on all the allegories and personalities that are not familiar to 21st century english speakers. Personally, I would like some illustrations in the book. But the translation is fantastic, and for that alone I would recommend this over other editions. The Inferno, in any translation, is not for everyone: most of its content is steeped in middle ages allegory, and frankly, not very relevant to modern life. Back then, sin and salvation were the cornerstone of life, and exploring the nine levels of hell (with details like 10 different kinds of theft) was a meaningful exercise. But nowadays, the book appeals mostly to students of history and christiantity.
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