The Paradiso is the crown of the The Divine Comedy. After Dante journeys through Hell and Purgatory in the company of Virgil, the Paradiso narrates Dante's ascension through the celestial spheres in the company of his beloved Beatrice, where, in vivid encounters with blessed souls, he learns how Love rules the universe in the form of Divine Justice. He is ultimately drawn into the presence of God himself, making him ready to return to earth and, schooled in the mysteries of nature, history, and faith, prepared to compose his Commedia. With the daunting symmetry and the taut lyricism carried over from the Inferno and the Purgatorio, Dante's pilgrimage culminates in a vision of celestial harmony. Rigsbee is the author of 21 books and chapbooks. He has published critical works on Carolyn Kizer and Joseph Brodsky (whom he has translated), and essays on contemporary poetry. He has co-edited two anthologies, including Invited Guest: An Anthology of Twentieth Century Southern Poetry, chosen as a 'notable book' by the ALA. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, Poetry, and many more.

He has received a Pushcart Prize, an Award from the Academy of American Poets, two literary fellowships from the NEA, one from the NEH and more. He is currently contributing editor for The Cortland Review.