This book is designed to provide an introduction to Dante that is at once accessible and challenging. Fifteen specially commissioned essays by distinguished North American and European scholars provide background information and up-to-date critical perspectives on Dante's life and work, focusing on areas of central importance. They explore the literary antecedents, both vernacular and classical, of Dante's poetry, the intellectual background to his writings (biblical, philosophical, and theological sources), and their historical context, both political and social. There are introductory essays to each of the three cantiche of the Divina Commedia, as well as chapters on Dante's other works. Selected reception history is provided, discussing the commentary tradition and Dante's presence in literature in English. The book also includes a chronological table giving an outline of Dante's life and times, and suggestions for further reading keyed to the theme of specific chapters.