
Dante Alighieri is turning heads again! A Japanese publisher has taken swift action to reprint The Divine Comedy, attributing the surge in interest to Fate/Grand Order, a widely popular gacha game where players can summon historical figures, including Dante himself.
This classic epic poem, originally completed in 1321, explores themes of morality and justice through its vivid portrayal of the afterlife and has been a cornerstone of western literature.
Kawade Shobō Shinsha, one of Japan’s largest publishers, reported a striking 130% increase in sales compared to last year and is focusing on various illustrated editions to meet heightened demand. They observed this demand stems directly from the game’s influence among fans.
Quote:
“Due to unexpected shortages, probably due to the Fate/Grand Order effect, it has been decided to urgently reprint Dante’s The Divine Comedy: The Complete Edition. Sales are up 130% compared to last year.”
「思いがけない供給不足が原因だろう。FGOの影響と思われるので、ダンテの『神曲:完全版』を緊急に再版することに決定された。今年の同時期と比べて売上が130%増加している。」
This sudden interest not only enhances the visibility of Dante’s work but showcases how modern gaming can intertwine with classic literature. Given its ongoing relevance, the new editions might just capture the attention of new generations drawn to the story’s timeless adventures.