Jeffrey Schnapp on the Phenomenon of Crowds

Inferno is the first part of Dante Alighieri's epic poem, The Divine Comedy. It describes Dante's journey through the nine concentric circles of Hell, each representing a different level of sin and punishment. Guided by Virgil, Dante encounters various historical and mythological figures, witnessing their punishments which are symbolic of their sins. The poem is an allegory of the soul's journey towards God, with Inferno representing the recognition and rejection of sin. Dante's journey through Hell is also a personal and spiritual exploration, reflecting his own struggles and the political and social issues of his time.

Written in Latin between AD 397 and 400, 'Confessions' is a blend of autobiography, philosophy, theology, and critical exegesis of the Christian Bible. The first nine books are autobiographical, tracing Augustine's life from his birth to his conversion to Catholicism. He recounts his sinful youth, his involvement with Manicheism and Neoplatonism, and his eventual conversion in a Milanese garden. The last four books focus on philosophical and theological issues, including memory, time, eternity, and the interpretation of the Book of Genesis. The work is structured as a series of prayers to God, reflecting Augustine's journey of redemption and his understanding of God's grace and providence.

The play follows Caius Martius, later known as Coriolanus, a Roman general who is celebrated for his military prowess but despises the common people. After being nominated for consul, he is unable to win the people's vote due to his arrogance and contempt for them. This leads to his banishment from Rome, after which he allies with his former enemy, Tullus Aufidius, to attack Rome. However, his mother Volumnia persuades him to spare the city, leading to his betrayal by Aufidius and his eventual death. The play explores themes of power, masculinity, honor, and the complexities of political life in ancient Rome.

Paradiso is the third and final part of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy, following Inferno and Purgatorio. It is an allegory that tells of Dante's journey through Heaven, guided by Beatrice and later by Saint Bernard. Mark Musa's translation preserves the intricacy and poetic beauty of the original work, rendering it in clear, rhythmic English, accompanied by extensive notes and commentary.

The Notebooks of Malte Laurids Brigge is Rilke's only novel, written between 1904 and 1910. It is a collection of notes, memories, and impressions of Malte Laurids Brigge, a 28-year-old Danish nobleman and poet living in Paris. The book is characterized by its lack of traditional structure, reading more like a journal or diary than a conventional novel. It delves into themes of existential crisis, the search for identity, and the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult life. Malte's reflections are deeply introspective, touching on death, loneliness, and the human condition, all set against the backdrop of a Paris that is both beautiful and terrifying. The novel is notable for its modernist style, rich in lyrical language and metaphor, and its exploration of the thin line between reality and the unreal.

Published in 1857, 'Les Fleurs du Mal' is a poetic masterpiece by Charles Baudelaire, consisting of 126 poems arranged in six sections: 'Spleen et idéal', 'Tableaux parisiens', 'Le Vin', 'Fleurs du mal', 'Révolte', and 'La Mort'. The poems delve into contrasting views of art, beauty, and the artist, as well as themes of sexual and romantic love, urban suffering, and the search for transcendence. The work is known for its originality, bold expression, and use of provocative imagery, making it a cornerstone of modern French literature and a significant influence on Symbolism and Modernism.

The play, written in 1599, explores themes of political power, honor, and fate versus free will. It centers around the conspiracy led by Brutus and Cassius to assassinate Julius Caesar, fearing his rise to power could lead to tyranny. The play delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters and the consequences of their actions, culminating in a civil war. The characters, including Brutus, Cassius, and Mark Antony, represent different facets of political ideology and personal conviction. The play is known for its iconic lines and its enduring relevance in examining the dynamics of power and political decisions.