The poet Dante Alighieri (1265-1321)was born in Florence, Italy, the son of a notary. Dante first saw Beatrice in 1274 when he was nine years old, and she became the inspiration for his later poetic works. Her death in 1290 was a profound shock to dante. He was a soldier for a while and entered politics, in which he sided with the enemies of Pope Boniface VIII. He was eventually banished from Florence. His best known work is "The Divine Comedy" - the poet's imaginary journey to hell and purgatory.

This series also covers:

Augustine of Hippo -- a brilliant 4th-century theologian and prolific writer.

Teresa of Avila -- one of the most colorful mystics of the Medieval period.

Julian of Norwich -- she received sixteen startling images of the crucified Christ that forever changed her life.

Hildegard of Bingen -- a German nun and abbess, she was also an intellectual, writer, composer, and artist.

Ignatius Loyola -- he founded the Society of Jesus, which eventually received papal approval and is still active in education and missions.

William Blake -- his ability to tap the depths of Biblical imagery remains a gift to the ages.

Note downloadable study guide.