Dante and the Divine Comedy: Translations and Early Editions

French translations

Rivarol published in 1785 a prose translation of Inferno, elegant and fairly free, which introduced Dante to many French readers and was reprinted several times. The 19th century saw numerous versions, often limited to Inferno, the most widely read part. Lamennais left a complete translation, published posthumously. The compact volumes of the Bibliothèque Charpentier are good reading editions.

The Vita Nuova, a prose and verse account of the poet’s love for Beatrice, is shorter and less frequently translated: it usefully complements a Dante collection.

Dante illustrated

In 1861, Gustave Doré published an in-folio Inferno with Hachette, whose plates long defined the visual image of the work; the Purgatorio and Paradiso followed in 1868. These large volumes, often reprinted, must be complete with all their plates. In the 20th century, Salvador Dalí devoted some hundred illustrations to the Divine Comedy in turn.

Dante and Charles Maurras

An avid reader of Dante, Charles Maurras published Le Conseil de Dante and wrote a preface to an edition of Inferno: two titles that also interest readers of Maurras.

Condition and price

For an 18th-century edition, check the binding (headbands, hinges) and the paper’s freshness; for an illustrated edition, the number of plates. In November 2026, our Dante works ranged from about €25 to just over €200 for Rivarol’s translation.

Frequently asked questions

Which old translation of Dante should I choose?

Rivarol for an 18th-century perspective, a complete 19th-century translation to read all three parts. Many old editions only include Inferno: check the contents listed on the title page.

Why is Inferno the most common?

It is the most widely read and illustrated part. Translators and publishers often began with it, and some stopped there.

Do you buy old editions of Dante?

Yes. The bookseller offers free estimates from photos of old translations and illustrated editions; photograph the title page and a few plates.

To go further

• Charles Maurras: first editions and antiquarian books.
• Salvador Dalí: illustrated books and albums.
• Antiquarian prints and engravings.
• The Literature and first editions section.
• Sell and have your antiquarian books appraised.