Dante related?

I would love to be able to claim that I am related to the great Dante but as that his forename is my Surname.. Who do I think I am!However, I love all things Italian, speak the language and delight in ...even feel compelled to write...so have I some of his genes?

Melvyn Bragg on radio 4 'In our Time' this morning was compelling listening for me. Throughout my 64 years I have tried to discover as much as I can about Inferno,Purgatorio,Paradiso,etc. I have translations on my shelf and I have been to readings in various places.

My earliest recollections of encountering the importance of my name was when I must have been aged about seven, and told a priest on the steps of the the Father's Church in Limerick my name he responded with 'How did I get such a distinguished name?

Great Writers - Jane Austen

I just loved Chawton last Sunday! 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' What an opening to 'Pride and Prejudice'. I bought a a complete and unabridged Collector's Copy so that I might be able to capture some of Jane's inspiration and dedication to the enjoyment of writing ...just writing and observing too of course. Just as in all great books the first few sentences sets the whole theme up....arouses curiosity...entices one on to search and ponder. I realise I am being prosiac but I can't resist. The ambience of the house in such a quintessential English hamlet...could it be called a village? When my friend Margaret drove off the main road it was as though the world took a breather and allowed us to ease into a time capsule. The meandering autumn tree canoped road, the thatched cottages, village green and of course Jane's house. We were taken back into a typical genteel English way of life. So much to see and read about. So many snippets of information side my side with a library of books and comentries and study books replete with information ane speculation. Costume and custom inside and a stables and gardens surrounding encouraged us to relax and soak up the atmosphere before we stepped across to the tea rooms for afternoon tea at four in the kind of cafe that one would expect to find in this area. No potted music but doilies and coffee, walnut, Victoria sponge and fruit cake, china cups and proper tea in china tea pots.Just the kind of afternoon one would long to be transported back to enjoy with Jane.