Comedy
The Divine Comedy by Clive James – translator, Dante Alighieri
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This edition presents Clive James’s English verse translation of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, narrated by Edoardo Ballerini. The poem follows an allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, linking an afterlife vision with Dante’s spiritual crisis and contemporary history. The audiobook runs for 14 hours and 38 minutes and was released in 2013.
Recommendation DNA i
Early ProfileAn early recommendation pattern that will become more precise as edition-matched evidence grows.
The DNA score and trait strengths summarize supported recommendation evidence—not popularity or customer ratings.
Evidence Confidence
Why this matters →- Core identity and work-level evidence are supported.
- Edition-matched observations are available.
- Narrator-specific observations are available.
Catalog-level evidence supports the core edition details and the work’s broad structure. Reliable evidence about the specific audio performance and listener response is not available.
Evidence Snapshot i
How to read these signals
Records are retained evidence items. Independent discussions are distinct reviews, forums, interviews, or conversations. Source networks are separate platforms or publication groups. Edition/narrator observations are tied to this recording or performer. Verified catalog sources support identity and edition details.
What this means
Retained records that passed basic identity and relevance checks. They do not all support every conclusion.
What this means
Distinct reviews, forums, interviews, or conversations counted separately to reduce duplication.
What this means
Separate platforms or publication groups represented in the evidence pool.
What this means
Observations tied to this recording or narrator rather than only to the printed work.
What this means
Sources supporting identity, edition, runtime, release, or publication details.
What this means
The date when the saved public evidence snapshot was last regenerated and validated.
High record volume does not automatically mean strong narration or listener consensus. Each module uses only the evidence relevant to that subject.
What It Feels Like to Listen
How this works
What this means
This describes a supported aspect of the listening experience. Current signal: Epic poetry in English verse.
Why it appears: A combination of accepted work-level evidence and independent listener observations relevant to this trait.
What this means
This describes a supported aspect of the listening experience. Current signal: 14 hours and 38 minutes.
Why it appears: A combination of accepted work-level evidence and independent listener observations relevant to this trait.
What this means
This describes a supported aspect of the listening experience. Current signal: Three-part afterlife journey.
Why it appears: A combination of accepted work-level evidence and independent listener observations relevant to this trait.
What this means
How quickly the story appears to move and how much narrative momentum listeners may experience. Current signal: Unknown.
Why it appears: A combination of accepted work-level evidence and independent listener observations relevant to this trait.
Data basis: supported signals selected from the saved evidence profile; confidence varies by trait.
What People Are Saying
How themes are identified
No reliable, sufficiently detailed public-response evidence is available to characterize listener consensus about this edition.
Data basis: themes drawn from 19 independent discussions across 12 source networks.
Narration in Practice
Why this may be limited
Edoardo Ballerini is identified as the narrator. The supplied evidence does not support an assessment of his delivery, vocal differentiation, pacing, or the production quality of this edition.
Data basis: 4 edition- or narrator-matched observations.
Is This Right for You?
You’ll probably enjoy this if…
- Listeners interested in Dante, epic poetry, and literary translation.
- People looking for a substantial classic to hear over multiple sessions.
- Listeners who prefer a single continuous work over a collection of shorter pieces.
It might not be the best fit if…
- Listeners seeking a short or plot-first audiobook.
- Those who need documented evidence about narration style before choosing an edition.
- Listeners looking for modern conversational prose.
Best listening context
- A multi-session listening project.
- Quiet listening alongside a print or digital text.
- Listening by major divisions: Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
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Leaves of GrassWalt Whitman
Shared moods: reflective. Adds poetry, classic american literature.
Don QuixoteMiguel de Cervantes
Shared moods: reflective. A different format or storytelling archetype.
Les MisérablesVictor Hugo
Shared moods: reflective. A different format or storytelling archetype.
Our Take
This is best approached as a long-form poetry listening project rather than a conventional plot-first audiobook. Its three-part structure provides natural places to pause, but the available evidence cannot establish how this specific performance feels in practice.
Early recommendation profile →Reasons to Press Play
- It offers a complete English-verse translation of Dante’s three-part epic.
- The edition is a substantial option for listeners seeking a canonical poetry classic.
- Its 14-hour runtime suits listeners who want an extended literary project.
Before You Listen
- Expect poetry, allegory, and historical and spiritual reference points rather than modern prose narration.
- The available evidence does not establish whether this narrator’s approach will suit your preferences.
- A sample is advisable if performance style is a deciding factor.
Edition Details
- Runtime
- 14 hours and 38 minutes
- Release date
- 2013-10-08
Why You Can Trust This Recommendation
- Identity and edition signals are checked separately
- Independent discussions and networks are counted distinctly
- Narration claims require edition- or narrator-specific support
- Unknown information is not displayed as a zero score
FAQ
What is this audiobook about?
It presents Dante’s allegorical journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven in Clive James’s English verse translation.
Who translated and narrates this edition?
Clive James is credited as translator, and Edoardo Ballerini narrates the audiobook.
How long is it?
The listed runtime is 14 hours and 38 minutes.
When was this edition released?
The supplied edition metadata lists October 8, 2013.
Can I expect a particular narration style?
Not from the supplied evidence. It identifies the narrator but does not provide reliable detail about the performance style or production.
Ready to experience The Divine Comedy by Clive James – translator, Dante Alighieri?
Continue to this audiobook’s current edition and availability.