Sordello's Poem "Blacatz", and its echo in The Valley of Princes.

In this episode we'll talk about the Ancient World as inspiration for writing, and our new podcast devoted to this writing here: https://apple.co/2GG7Go6. The excerpt, as a person enters a new life - ...

13 Feb 20194min

A quick review of the last 40 episodes, and reflections on why and how the Ancient World is a treasure trove for our understanding of the world, and a deep source for inspiration. Today's quote is: "...

11 Feb 20194min

After presenting three more of the deadly sins - avarice, sloth and wrath, Dante and Virgil reach the gates of the City of Dis which marks the transition from Upper to Lower Hell in the Inferno. They...

9 Feb 20195min

In this episode (Part 1 of 2 from Upper Hell), we are going through the rings of Lust, and of Gluttony. We are introduced to the seven cardinal sins in the catholic faith; Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Sl...

8 Feb 20195min

In this episode we continue the journey through the first book, and reflect on the framing of Dante waking up in the first circle of the Inferno, Limbo. He sees the souls lost there, and then meets th...

7 Feb 20194min

In this iconic Canto of the first book, Dante and Virgil passes through the gate of Inferno, which has the following inscription: I AM THE WAY INTO THE DOLEFUL CITY, I AM THE WAY INTO ETERNAL GRIEF, ...

7 Feb 20198min

We continue our journey from the beginning of the Comedy, and in this episode we look at Canto 2 where Dante is convinced by his guide Virgil that he can start this endeavor with support from the Heav...

6 Feb 20196min

The opening poem of the Comedy is in some ways a metaphor for the whole work of three Volumes, with the journey through Hell, Purgatory and Paradise. These lines describes the concept of the hill (mo...

6 Feb 20198min