Dante: Contemporary Perspectives
gathers recent and newly commissioned articles on Dante Alighieri (1265-1321), whose epic the
Divine Comedy
, is one of the landmarks of world literature. The essays in this volume probe current critical assumptions about the celebrated Italian poet, literary theorist, moral philosopher, and political theorist. Dante's attitude towards poetic authority and language comes under scrutiny in several essays, while others examine his political thought and his views on women and gender. Several articles focus exclusively on the
, and, in particular, on its distinctive textual characteristics. There are new readings of two of the
Divine Comedy's
most important episodes – those of
Paolo and Francesca
, the
Earthly Paradise
, and
Ulysses
– whose significance extends far beyond their immediate contexts. These essays bring into focus Dante's bold narrative innovations and reflections on literature and history.