Get the scoop here (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6255223.stm).
While not "the best looking man in the world", he created what can arguably be called the most perfect epic poem ever, Latin, Greek or vernacular.
Of course, the article makes mention of his death in Ravenna, where he was exiled. In life, he was "persona non grata" at his home town in Florence where, being a White Guelph, he was out of favor. After his death and the success of the Commedia-well, now that's a different story. The Florentines sent several delegations to Ravenna to reclaim their famous son, Ravenna has steadfastly said "senza possibilita". That's Italian for "No way, Jose"! (I know, maybe it should be "Giuseppe", but what would that do to the rhyme?)
