Dante Alighieri

The Author's World

A prolific writer, involved in politics, with a keen knowledge of philosophy and theology, Dante was an intellectual of exceptional artistic worth and a man with a striking personality. His works are an original condensation of all the major issues, ideas and expressive means at the times of the medieval communes.
• He experimented widely with different styles and genres, both in verse and in prose. He was the first to envision a unified Italian language in his use of a literary vernacular.
• In his poetry, he expounded his views on religion and politics as well as his knowledge of philosophy, history and science.
• His vast knowledge was based on Aristotelianism and on Medieval philosophy and theology.
• He was actively involved in politics and was exiled for his activities. He believed in a universal society governed by a single civil authority that derived from God.