The Modern Scholar Audiobook By Professor Timothy B. Shutt cover art

The Modern Scholar

Dante and His Divine Comedy: The Modern Scholar

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The Modern Scholar

By: Professor Timothy B. Shutt
Narrated by: Professor Timothy B. Shutt
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Kenyon College professor Dr. Timothy B. Shutt examines Dante's greatest work, The Divine Comedy, both in terms of its autobiographical elements and its allegorical meaning for the human race.

©2005 Timothy B. Shutt (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC Funny Literary History & Criticism

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Insightful Interpretations • Historical Context • Excited Lecturer Tone • Infectious Enthusiasm • Illuminating Explanations

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Professor Shutt has an easygoing lecture style that keeps you engaged the entire 8+ hours. Outstanding commentary and background even for those who've previously studied Dante and his timeless work. I look forward to purchasing additional work by Prof Shutt and The Modern Scholar series.

Outstanding Lecture Series

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Occasionally, Audible.com offers a discounted price on academic lectures about various literary, historical, and scientific events. After reading “The Divine Comedy” (translated by Charles Norton) Professor Shutt’s lectures are a valuable guide to a better understanding of Dante’s masterpiece.

The origin of the story seems simple but its meaning is complex and revelatory. Dante Alighieri is a wealthy aristocrat that represents a major leadership faction in 13th century Italy, the“White Gulphs” which are vying for power with the Ghibelline. Their conflict is over the integrity of the Pope in Rome at the time of relocation of the papal enclave to Avignon, France. The move occurs in 1309 and lasts for 67 years. Pope Boniface VIII sides with the Ghibelline to overthrow the Gulphs and excommunicate Dante. Dante loses his political position, his wealth, and coincidently, the life of the woman he loves, Beatrice. These crushing events in Dante’s life compel him to complete and publish (between 1308 and his death in 1321) what Shutt calls the greatest single piece of literature ever written.

Purgatory may be a way-station to heaven for a believer that is cleansed of their sin or an eternal home for the non-believer or pagan. Hell is perdition for eternity with no surcease of pain or opportunity for escape. Heaven is a place of eternal rest, peace, and love.

One is overwhelmed by Dante’s genius whether or not a believer. Shutt gives one a better understanding of who Dante was and why “The Divine Comedy” is a classic.

DANTE'S JOURNEY

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Professor Shutt was his usual wonderful professor self in giving these lectures. I hadn't read Dante for 30 years and it was fascinating to be reintroduced to the text, and to understand it and its context more than I remembered understanding it then.

I recommend all the lecture series by Dr. Shutt.

Another excellent lecture series by Prof. Shutt

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It’s always great when you can hear the excitement of a lecturer in the tone of their voice. I enjoyed this course. I also recommend the Great Courses lecture on Dante for persons interested in a deep dive.

A Lively Lecture!

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I really enjoy the Modern Scholar series, and Dr Shutt's lectures (this and other topics) are educational and liberally sprinkled with wit. Dante's Divine Comedy comes to life as Shutt reaches into the minds of Dante and his contemporaries, tells us the story and some of what was going on at the time. Very enjoyable.

Lectures certainly, but entertaining as well

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