Dante's Inferno – William Blake (Folio Society, MCMXCVIII)

This Folio Society edition (MCMXCVIII / 1998) of Dante Alighieri's Inferno, illustrated by William Blake, is of interest to collectors of fine press books, Dante editions, and William Blake illustrated works.

About: Near fine book in a good folio case. A handsome large-format Folio Society production presenting Dante's Inferno in Henry Francis Cary's celebrated translation, accompanied by Blake's extraordinary watercolour illustrations reproduced in full colour throughout. The book itself is near fine; the slipcase shows some wear consistent with age and use but remains structurally sound.

Details:

• Title: Inferno
• Author: Dante Alighieri
• Translator: Henry Francis Cary
• Introduction: Robin Hamlyn
• Illustrator: William Blake
• Publisher: The Folio Society, London
• Publication Date: MCMXCVIII (1998)
• Binding: Hardcover, quarter-bound in burgundy cloth with illustrated boards
• Condition: Near Fine
• Folio Case Condition: Good

Synopsis: Folio Society edition of Dante's Inferno in the Cary translation, illustrated throughout with William Blake's visionary watercolours. A distinguished fine press production combining two of literature and art's most celebrated names.

Review: Dante Alighieri's Inferno - the first canticle of the Divine Comedy - is one of the supreme works of world literature, charting the poet's journey through the nine circles of Hell guided by Virgil. This Folio Society edition pairs Cary's authoritative English verse translation with Blake's haunting and visionary illustrations, themselves among the most celebrated responses to Dante in the history of art. An outstanding volume for the bibliophile's shelf.