At the risk of disappearing down a rabbit hole (which I’ve always liked the idea of…) I’ve come across an amazing late 14th century manuscript of Dante’s Divine Comedy, beautifully photographed and available on line. It is just incredible.

Here are a few pictures, it goes well with my short and very general introduction to Dante. Remember this parchment (pergamon) was hand-written that’s what manu-script means – literally written by hand. It was also illuminated (illustrated by hand). Quite incredible. I am featuring four pictures here. Dante himself at work at his desk, nestled in a large letter N. His flowing gown and hat clearly typical of Dantesque clothing. Then a painting of Virgil (Dante’s guide) leading him through a landscape similar in style to a Giotto fresco. Then finally into the ‘inferno’ hell in other words. Where souls are tortured, dismembered and thrown into burning flames as punishment for their behaviour on Earth. Lastly Cerberus, the three headed wolf-dog who guards the entry to the underworld. In the case of Dante – Cerberus guards the ‘Third Circle of Hell’. Virgil and Dante can only get past him by throwing earth into each of his three mouths. This superb manuscript is available on line and has been lovingly digitised, making it accessible to all of us. www.guarneriana.it

This is an amazing treasure trove, to be found in the small market town of San Daniele in Friuli. The team here at the library are doing a superlative job of making these unique and priceless manuscripts available to all. Here are just a few of my favourite illustrations from this extraordinary work:

Notes:

• You can follow the ‘Biblioteca’ on Facebook here: Civica Biblioteca Guarneriana 
• Much of Dante’s manuscript has been digitised and is available to view here: Dante’s Divina Commedia – MS 200

• I recently wrote a very brief piece about Dante whose epic poem ‘La Commedia’ is compulsory learning for all italian school children. Italy’s Greatest Poet: Dante – Italy’s greatest poet

• I’ve also written about numerous libraries – for me a library is a ‘Sanatorium for the Mind’ a place of tranquility and regeneration. A library is a sanatorium for the mind
• The minute I’m back in Italy I’ll be visiting San Daniele in Friuli, not only to sample the amazing prosciutto but also to visit this exceptional library. Complimenti to those dedicated individuals responsible for organising, maintaining and curating this wonderful library.
• You can support and like Biblioteca Guarneriana on Facebook: civica biblioteca guarneriana
• Facebook: Civica Biblioteca Guarneriana 

• If you’d like to disappear down the same rabbit hole as I did – and frequently do, you can follow me on my blog: www.educated-traveller.com I write extensively about Italy, The Alps and British Isles.
• After all falling down rabbit holes has got some pretty interesting precedents!!

• Thoughts from London: 23rd April, 2020
• Revised: November, 2024