Q: Hello and good day,
I have a copy of Dante’s Inferno, however, I have been unable to locate any reference to the copy I have. It has an unusual cover. Could you be so kind as to provide any additional information on this issue. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

A: This series of very elegant volumes which were illustrated by Gustave Dore were published between 1889-1903.

See: Henry Altemus Company – Dore’s Masterpieces Series 78

There were six different formats all of which either came boxed or in dust jackets.

This title is from Format #5. It was first published in 1892.

On the left of the cover is vellum with a gold gilt decorative pattern. The right side has the title in gilt with various underlying colors.

This format came with a red canvas dust jacket. See below.