Where to Find the Original Text of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you seeking the original text of Dante Alighieri's renowned The Divine Comedy? This monumental work, originally written in Medieval Italian, has captivated readers for centuries with its profound imagery and intricate structure. However, the original text can present challenges for modern English readers due to its archaic language and cultural context. This guide aims to help you find the original text, particularly the first few lines of Canto 1, and explore its historical and literary significance.

The Original Text of Dante's Divine Comedy

Dante Alighieri is one of the greatest poets of the Italian Renaissance. The Divine Comedy, written during the 14th century, is his magnum opus. The original text is available in various forms, including printed editions, manuscripts, and digital archives. To locate the original text, you can consult several reputable sources:

Libraries and Special Collections: Many prestigious libraries have extensive collections of rare books and manuscripts. The New York Public Library, British Library, and UCLA Library are renowned for their collections of early printed books and manuscripts. These libraries often have digitized versions of the original texts available online. Digitization Projects: Numerous academic and cultural institutions have digitized historical texts. The Italian Cultural Institute and the Internet Archive offer digital versions of the original text of The Divine Comedy. These resources allow you to access the full text without the need for physical access to rare books. Academic Publications: Scholarly editions and critical editions of the text often include the original Italian with facing translations. Some notable editions include the Clarendon Press's 1921 edition and the 1995 translation by Robert Pinsky, which provide both the original text and numerous scholarly annotations.

The First Canto of Canto 1

The first few lines of Canto 1 provide an evocative glimpse into the beginning of Dante's spiritual journey. Here is the original text of the first canto:

Par actuoso Amore, in ciel l‘ittanta
Parte, c`o' v'nanzio si dilunga,
Poi per mente e por cé de la morta.
Da l'alto questa lunga pendente
Tiene nube, onde cade ne l'alta
Pjcura, si lesta, che gli occhi allata.
Laggiun di san Pietro, poi di san Pio,
Di predicar palpita l'anima;
Quivi san Giove il ciel truova alto.

In English, this translates to:

By Love that moves the sun and the other
stars, all in afire, fixed in their fast
high orbit, from Him who moves all things.
From Him, Whose Power nothing can impair,
came all that is, however hidden in dim lore.
He fills up all things with light and with heat.
So, looking at clouds, I gazed in awe sublime.
Far beyond Paul and Peter, the soul spurts
with zeal to preach, where the realms of the skies
seem nearer as God stands at Gaza's gate.

These lines are from the translation by The Rev. H. F. Cary, which is more accessible to contemporary readers while staying true to the original intent and imagery of Dante's work. Cary's translation respects the vernacular style and maintains the poetic quality of the original text.

The Significance of the First Few Lines of Canto 1

The first few lines of Canto 1 are crucial as they set the stage for the entire narrative of The Divine Comedy. They introduce the themes of divine love and the cosmos, as well as the journey that Dante must undertake. The first stanza begins with the forceful impact of divine love, linking it to the heavenly bodies and creating a framework of cosmic order that governs Dante's journey through the afterlife. The second stanza delves into the direct experience of this ordered universe, emphasizing the awe and wonder inspired by the light and heat that comes from above.

These lines also highlight the interconnectedness of the natural and supernatural realms, drawing attention to the supremacy of God's will in all aspects of creation. The imagery of light and fire is particularly significant, as it symbolizes the divine presence and the transformative power of knowledge and belief.

Further Reading and Resources

To delve deeper into the original text and its significance, consider exploring the following resources:

Academic Articles: Scholars like Giuseppe Galileo and Walter Dunlop have written comprehensive analyses of the text. These articles provide critical insights into the historical and literary context of The Divine Comedy. Online Discussions and Forums: Websites like Reddit and Quora can offer insights from other readers and experts. Engaging in discussions can help clarify doubts and gain a deeper understanding of the text. Access to Manuscripts: If you have access to rare book collections, visiting them can provide an unparalleled experience. The Carnegie Library and Newberry Library often host exhibitions and provide access to original manuscripts.

By exploring these resources, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the original text of The Divine Comedy and its enduring legacy in literature and culture.