Inferno, The Norton Library

Michael Palma's translation of theInfernoreproduces in contemporary English Dante's intricate triple-rhymingterza rimaform, defying the conventional wisdom of literary commentators who long argued that it simply cannot be done. This spectacular feat of poetic artistry- "accurate admirably clear, and readable" (Richard Wilbur)-"in capturing the sense, sound, and spirit of the original comes close to perfection" (X.J. Kennedy).