This is a review of the Nicholas Kilmer 1985 translation, illustrated by Benjamin Martinez.
There have been over 700 years of commentary on this classic, so I won't add anything original here. On the web search for "Dartmouth Dante Project" and you will find many. The reading is helped by added commentary, for example understanding the role of Beatrice or Francesca as heroine. The Dorothy Sayers translation offers more background information. The audaciousness of the poet to enter this realm of Biblical themes is remarkable, as his ability to garner sympathy for some of the sinners, such as Ugolino. Its fun to think where Dante would have placed some of today's public figures. Kilmer's translation is clear and straightforward, fairly modern sounding. For example contrast Kilmers(from Cantos XXiv):
Quicker than I cross t, dot i,
he kindled, burned, and falling down,
was completely changed to ashes
versus Sayers:
Never did writer with a single dash
Of the pen write "o" or "i" so swift as he
Took fire, and burned, and crumbled way to ash.
After I read the poem, I studied the dark illustrations by Benjamin Martinez and they present another view of the journey.