This book is a fantastic introduction to Dante, and has the added advantage of being relatively short: perfect for those who may find the prospect of reading 'The Inferno' a little daunting. Considered by many to be the masterpiece of Dante’s youth, 'New Life' is the one of the finest poetical works, and the first example of the modern novel in Italian.

At the age of nine, Dante met and fell in love with Beatrice. Although she died at an early age, she remained his lifelong muse. 'New Life' is Dante’s profound attempt both to reconcile the deep anguish he suffered after her loss, and also to capture something of her eternal beauty, seeing her as the universal figure of woman. Incorporating poems and prose, and indicative of Dante’s remarkable linguistic style, 'New Life' still remains one of the greatest works in the literature of love.