Dante’s Divine Comedy: The Inferno – John A. Carlyle (Prose Translation) l (1849 - Chapman & Hall)

A striking mid-19th-century edition of Dante’s Divine Comedy: The Inferno, translated by John A. Carlyle, M.D. and published in London by Chapman and Hall, 1849 — the first edition thus of this literal prose translation — this edition marks the first publication of Carlyle’s translation of Inferno, though not the first English-language translation of the poem overall (1785 translated by Henry Boyd).

Dante Alighieri’s Inferno is the first part of The Divine Comedy, one of the most important literary works of the Western canon. Written in the early 14th century, it follows Dante’s allegorical journey through Hell, guided by the Roman poet Virgil. Structured in 33 cantos, Inferno vividly depicts the torments of the damned across nine circles of Hell, blending theology, philosophy, and politics with Dante’s rich poetic vision. This translation by John Aitken Carlyle, first published in 1849, renders the Italian original into a literal English prose, preserving its clarity and structure while offering detailed scholarly notes.

Elegantly bound in half speckled calf with richly gilt spine compartments, red morocco title label, and marbled paper boards and edges in vivid tones of blue, terracotta, and ochre. The volume features a frontispiece portrait of Dante Alighieriwith tissue guard, printed title page, preface, extensive commentary and notes, and parallel English and Italian text throughout.

A Victorian inscription on the front flyleaf reads:
“Emily H. Walton, July 13th 1865 — From her Brother.”

This edition, an early and comparatively scarce Carlyle translation of Dante’s Inferno. captures the monumental power of Dante’s 14th-century masterpiece in a handsome binding typical of the period — a piece of both literary and bookbinding history.

Binding tight and sound. Light rubbing and wear to extremities; marbling bright and intact; mild foxing to preliminaries only. 

Scarce Edition

Size: 5” x 7 3/4”

Condition: Very Good

Recommended Pricing Range: $395-$495

A fine 19th-century edition of The Inferno — where timeless verse meets the artistry of Victorian craftsmanship.