(Review is of the Penguin Classics translation by Mark Musa, and applies to all three volumes, Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradisio)

I would not think to quibble with reviewing Dante himself - Dante is a master, and doesn't need my endorsement. I will say, however, that Musa's translation is an exceptionally sensitive one, and his comprehensive notes are an invaluable aid to the reader less familiar with Dante's broad spheres of reference. Musa is clearly a devoted scholar of Dante, and his concern for Dante's original meaning and tone is evident. This is one of the best translations of The Comedia available. ( )

A literary great. I've read it three times. ( )

As Dante with his guide Virgil makes his allegorical journey from Hell through Purgatory, he meets historical figures imploring Dante to tell their living relatives to pray to speed them up to heaven. This concept—praying for another’s salvation—is a central theme of Purgatory. However, for me it seemed alien and so I couldn’t be absorbed in the journey.

The Divine Comedy: Purgatory is a long slog. Unless you have a working knowledge of Catholicism, European history circa the Middle Ages, Classics, and Scholastic philosophy—or you don’t mind studying the footnotes at the end of each chapter—then it is hard to enjoy this read. It doesn’t light up, or convey the wonder of Inferno (except in dashes) until the end, when for me it was too late.

The Hollanders once again do a fine job of pulling the reader along, with a clear translation and very helpful notes that help to clarify Dante's context. I just dipped into them when I had a particular question. (Can't imagine how long it would take to read them all). Things I learned about Purgatory: Thomas Merton's autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, borrows it's title from Dante's vision of Mt. Purgatory.The Garden of Eden is preserved at the peak of the mountain.Next stop: Paradise! ( )

The Hollanders once again do a fine job of pulling the reader along, with a clear translation and very helpful notes that help to clarify Dante's context. I just dipped into them when I had a particular question. (Can't imagine how long it would take to read them all). Things I learned about Purgatory: Thomas Merton's autobiography, The Seven Storey Mountain, borrows it's title from Dante's vision of Mt. Purgatory.The Garden of Eden is preserved at the peak of the mountain.Next stop: Paradise! ( )