Classics-only book club discussion

June's selection is The Inferno by Dante Alighieri.

There are quite a few translations and editions of The Inferno around. In order to decide which one is best for you, you'll have to answer the following questions:

1) How does it read?

Some try to rhyme every first and third line; in some the language seems outdated; in others it's more modern. In most, the cantos alternate three lines and a space; in a few the grouping is different.

2) Are there canto summaries?

You might like a summary of the events of each of the 34 cantos at its beginning or you might prefer it at the end or not at all.

3) Where are the endnotes?

You might prefer them at the end of each canto or at the end of the book.

4) Is an Italian version included?

Some editions have the Italian version on the left-hand page and the English translation on the right-hand page.

5) Are there supplementary sections to aid my understanding of the poem?

Some have lengthy and helpful introductions, a few have maps of Dante's version of Hell, others list the occupants of each circle of Hell and so on.