Paradiso [Paperback]

Mary Jo Bangs translation ofParadisocompletes her groundbreaking new version of Dantes masterpiece, begun withInfernoand continued withPurgatorio. InParadiso, Dante has been purified by his climb up the seven terraces of Mount Purgatory, and now, led by the luminous Beatrice, he begins his ascent through the nine celestial spheres of heaven toward the Empyrean, the mind of God. Along the way, we meet the souls of the blessedthose at various proximities to God, but all existing within the bliss of heavens perfect order. Philosophically rich, spiritually resonant,Paradisois a reckoning with justice and morality from a time of ethical questioning and political division much like our own.

Bangs translation is a revelation in its artistry, readability, and faithfulness to Dantes ambition for an epic poem that dares to employ language and references recognizable to its readers. In her lyric style and her illuminating and generous notes, Bang has madeThe Divine Comedyfor the twenty-first century.

Praise for Mary Jo Bangs translations of DantesInferno,Purgatorio,andParadiso:

Bangs translation is uniquely here and now.Kevin Young,The New Yorker

Bangs thrillingly contemporary translation . . . is indeed epic.Elisa Schappell,Vanity Fair

. . . .Bang'sParadisohas arrived at a moment of national turmoil, and sets out to make a vision of hope and humility accessible to all in an unusual way.Eric Bulson,The Atlantic

This will be the Dante for the next generation.PlƒÙ