Dante Alighieri, 1265-1321

Prolific poet, Florentine exile, and advocate of the Italian vernacular's destined role in the diffusion of literature, philosophy, and political thought. Dante's Divine Comedy proves its importance as a testimony to the beliefs, customs, and the contemporary experience of the late medieval period whose sense of vision prefigures the first signs of Renaissance civilization. This collection original works, criticial works, and memorabilia remains the largest of its kind outside of Italy (Enciclopedia Dantesca). Assembled in the late-19th century by the scholar Willard Fiske, the collection was then presented to Cornell University, growing from an original 6,000 items to well over the present day 12,000 items.

From the description of Dante Collection, [ca. 1350- ]. (Cornell University Library). WorldCat record id: 63935222

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