Dante

"Dante" by Edmund G. Gardner is a revamped exploration of the poet Dante Alighieri, discussing his masterpiece, the "Divina Commedia," and solidifying his place as an Italian hero. Gardner begins by placing Dante in the chaotic world of medieval Italy, torn by the battles of Guelfs and Ghibellines. It then traces Dante's roots and Florentine beginnings. His deep affection for Beatrice is described, marking her as a beacon in his poems. It moves to the initial events that led to Dante's banishment, a pivotal moment that fuels his writings and shapes his worldview, while also setting the stage for an investigation into Dante’s contribution to literature and the growth of Italian society.