Best Dante books: a deep dive into the medieval poet
Further reading into the ‘Divine Comedy’
Alexandra Lawrence
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T.S. Eliot famously said, “Dante and Shakespeare divide the modern world between them; there is no third.” While Dante is still rigorously read in Italian schools, most English-speaking countries limit themselves to a bit of the
Inferno in Western literature courses, if at all.
Approaching Dante for the first time can be daunting, especially since some knowledge about his life and times is essential for understanding the poem. Fortunately, there is no shortage of
excellent books on the subject to help make the journey easier and more enjoyable.
Kamin Mohammadi.
There will be a foraging walk in the Umbrian hills, yoga sessions, as well as a trip to the medieval hill town Cortona.
View of the Pool at Villa Pia. Photo by Yvette McGreavey
The Idler Retreat is an opportunity to spend a week living the good life in beautiful surroundings, away from the hustle and bustle of the workaday world.
Here are some comments from previous retreats:
“I don’t think I have spent so much time in the company of so many warm, easygoing souls. Thank you very much for organising this marvellous week. You are both the best of hosts.”
Culmination of History?
People around the world really began paying attention to prophetic fulfilment in 1948, a watershed year in history. In May, against all odds, David Ben-Gurion signed the Declaration of Independence, and the first Jewish state in 2,000 years was created. The exiles had finally been allowed to return home, fulfilling the words of Jeremiah: “I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture.” (23:3).
Isaiah meanwhile wrote: “He will raise a banner for the nations, and gather the exiles of Israel; he will assemble the scattered people of Judah from the four quarters of the earth.” (11:12). Then in 1967, the Israeli army took control of the Temple Mount – the first time in 2,000 years. However, the supernatural “Messianic miracle” that many expected to occur immediately after their victory did not materialize, and Israel was left to face very real-world problems
Signorelli s beautiful, terrifying frescoes in Orvieto
18 Jan, 2021
By Martin Bennett
As a prelude to visiting the Sistine Chapel, one could take the train to Orvieto, an hour north of Rome, and view the frescoes which inspired Michelangelo’s
Last Judgement.
On arrival at Orvieto station, the train prompts the reaction, ‘But where is it?’ Until a look upward reveals the town’s older part perched on a beetling crag. A small funicular railway transports you past vineyards famous for its classic Orvieto wine; all Italy in a bottle goes a phrase.
At the top of the funicular, take Via del Duomo to the cathedral which dominates the city s skyline. In the S. Brizio chapel to the right of the cathedral s main altar, there they are, body after perfect body, the hard-won art of anatomy standing on its own feet, or in take-off mode, or hurtling downward.
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