"Sophisticated, thoroughly researched and ecumenical in approach—this is the biography of Dante for the next generation. Instead of chasing illusory scoops, Brilli and Milani probe the elusive relationship between an artist’s life and their works. Highly recommended."

Justin Steinberg, professor of Italian literature, University of Chicago, and editor-in-chief of "Dante Studies"

"An immense gift to Dante scholars and to non-specialists alike, this is a wonderfully readable account of Dante's life, work and times. Brilli and Milani's biography offers an ideal model of the powers of interdisciplinary collaboration, putting historical documents into dialogue with Dante's own stories of his life. Here, as never before, we see Dante's life illuminated by the expertise that a literary scholar and a medieval historian can, together, offer."

Heather Webb, professor of medieval Italian literature and culture, University of Cambridge, and fellow of Selwyn College

"A splendidly calibrated restoration of the many ‘lives’ of Dante, this book brings to the English-speaking audience a highly original and very accessible take on the fascinating story of Dante’s life and times. Establishing both dialogue and contrast between documents, history, reported narratives and Dante’s own autobiography, Brilli and Milani show the elusive intrigue of the ‘truth’ of a medieval life."

Elena Lombardi, professor of Italian literature, University of Oxford, fellow of Balliol College