Skip to Main Content

Dante and Islam

Online ISBN:
9780823266302
Print ISBN:
9780823263868
Publisher:
Fordham University Press
Book

Dante and Islam

Jan M. Ziolkowski (ed.)
Jan M. Ziolkowski
(ed.)

Arthur Kingsley Porter Professor of Medieval Latin

Harvard University
Find on
Published:
1 December 2014
Online ISBN:
9780823266302
Print ISBN:
9780823263868
Publisher:
Fordham University Press

Abstract

Dante put Muhammad in one of the lowest circles of Hell. At the same time, the medieval Christian poet placed several Islamic philosophers much more honorably in Limbo. Furthermore, it has long been suggested that for much of the basic framework of the Divine Comedy Dante was indebted toapocryphal traditions about a “night journey” taken by Muhammad. Dante scholars have increasingly returned to the question of Islam to explore the often surprising encounters among religious traditions that the Middle Ages afforded. This collection of essays works through what was known of the Qur’an and of Islamic philosophy and science in Dante's day and explores the bases for Dante's images of Muhammad and Ali. It further compels us to look at key instances of engagement among Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Contents
Close
This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Sign In or Create an Account

Close

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

View Article Abstract & Purchase Options

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Close