Free GAPS ARTS course in Auckland to celebrate the 750th anniversary of Dante's birth

Dante. Detail from fresco by Domenico di Michelino,
Santa Maria del Fiore, Florence

This year marks the 750^th anniversary of the birth of Italian poet Dante Aligheri in Florence. While the exact date of his birth is unknown, it is generally accepted to be around 1265.
To mark this occasion, Faculty of Arts alumnus Dr John Lewis will be offering a public course of reading through the Divine Comedy — widely considered the greatest literary work composed in the Italian language and a masterpiece of world literature — in its entirety.
All three books will be read over an impressive schedule of Monday evenings: Hell in the first half of 2015, Purgatory in the second half, and Paradise in the first half of 2016. Sessions will run from 7:30-9:00pm.
Previous knowledge of the poem is not necessary and notes for guidance through each session have been specially prepared. There will also be time for discussion.
In June the anniversary will be marked by two additional lectures on Dante. This course and its associated lectures will be run through the GAPS ARTS program, a tertiary level forum on European art and architecture, poetry and literature, philosophy and theology, medieval heritage, and vernacular building.
Enrolments for the course should be made by 22 February, but can be accepted at the first session on Monday 2 March. To enrol phone +64 9 828 5579 or email jahlewis@clear.net.nz.
The course is free, but donations can be made.

Find out more at GAPS ARTS.