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Relating his own journey through the circles of Hell, Dante's Inferno is one of the foremost works of Italian literature, forming one of the cornerstones of Christian imagery. Summary of the Book Dante tells readers of his journey through the nine circles of Hell. Across each stage he speaks of the sins that damn men and women to these circles, and speaks to eminent people as he moves along. In his journey, the Christian myths regarding Hell are interspersed with Greek and Roman stories, showing how Christianity absorbed the stories of the day and evolved as a religion. In reading Dante's Inferno, one finds the basis for understanding and appreciating all forms of art in the Middle Ages. In moving through each of the nine circles: Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, Heresy, Violence, Fraud and Treachery, Dante instills in readers a macabre sense of fear for the underworld. A fear that is manifested in the ultimate enemy and overlord of Hell itself: Satan. About Dante Dante Alighieri was an Italian poet of the Middle ages. He is best known for the composition of the Divine Comedy, widely considered the epitome of Italian literature. Known as il Somma Poeta ("the Supreme Poet"), he is considered the father of the Italian language. The Divine Comedy continues with Purgatory and Paradise.