Giacomo Leopardi was an Italian scholar, poet, essayist, and philosopher, recognized as one of the great writers of the 19th century. His personal experiences with love deeply influenced some of his most melancholic lyrics, showcasing a profound emotional depth. Despite residing in a small town, Leopardi remained attuned to the core ideas of the Enlightenment, integrating them into his evolving worldview. His literary trajectory positioned him as a prominent figure among Romantic poets, exploring themes of human existence and its inherent sorrows, a perspective mirrored in the philosophy of his contemporary Arthur Schopenhauer.
Giacomo Leopardi, hailed as Italy's greatest poet since Dante, presents an unfinished masterpiece in The Cantos. This work showcases his exceptional poetic talent intertwined with a profound moral awareness, characterized by its somber lyricism. As one of the early modern thinkers in the West, Leopardi's writings reflect deep introspection and a unique perspective on human existence.
First published in 1827 and here presented in a new translation by J.G. Nichols along with Thoughts, Leopardis own selected pearls of wisdom and gems of social observation, this volume will enchant both those who are familiar with and those who are new to the works of Italys last great polymath.
Giacomo Leopardi, an influential figure of the 19th century, emerged from the conservative Papal States to engage with Enlightenment ideas, despite his secluded upbringing. His literary evolution led to the creation of a significant body of work characterized by pessimism and deep philosophical insights, aligning him with the Romantic movement. Leopardi's poetry and essays reflect profound themes of existence and human experience, establishing him as one of the era's greatest poets.
"Libro dei sogni poetici, d'invenzione e di capricci malinconici" le aveva definite scherzosamente il Leopardi, consegnando invece a queste pagine la dialettica drammatica del suo pensiero e della sua stessa vita. Opera filosofica, libro di poetica, sincera passione laica, le Operette morali rappresentano - scrive Paolo Ruffilli nell'introduzione - il testo limite della nostra letteratura non soltanto ottocentesca: luogo di coincidenza di poesia e di prosa, di fantasia e di ragionamento, di invenzione e di lucida analisi del reale.
Wie Leopardi zu dem Ruf eines eher harmlosen Klassikers gekommen ist, dem allenfalls ein paar schöne, wehmütige Gedichte zu verdanken sind das ist einigermaßen schleierhaft. Er war, darin Schopenhauer ebenbürtig, einer der radikalsten Pessimisten des neunzehnten Jahrhunderts, und seine Kritik der Zivilisation erinnert an Nietzsche. Nur, daß er kein philosophisches „Hauptwerk“ hinterlassen hat, sondern ein immenses Sudelheft, den berühmten Zibaldone. Aus diesem dreitausendseitigen Konvolut hat Mario Rigoni die historischen und politischen Reflexionen Leopardis ausgezogen, eine Operation, durch die dessen subversive Kraft mit verblüffender Schärfe hervortritt. Ohne jede Rücksicht auf die Konventionen seiner Zeit, fern von rationalistischen Illusionen und utopischen Versuchungen, nimmt Leopardi Revolution und Reaktion, Demokratie und Diktatur, Fortschritt und Konservativismus ins Visier und führt unbarmherzig ihre Widersprüche vor. Einerseits erweist dieser Autor sich als genuiner Erbe Macchiavellis und Guicciardinis, andererseits greift er den Problemen unserer Tage vor. Er besteht darauf, die Dinge so zu sehen, wie sie sind, nicht wie sie sein sollten. Das unterscheidet ihn von allen Ideologen, damals wie heute.
The book features a collection of poems that explore various themes, including love, nature, and existential reflections. It begins with a tribute to Italy and moves on to address significant cultural figures, such as Dante and Cicero. The poems celebrate personal milestones, like weddings and victories, while also delving into deeper philosophical musings about life and death. The collection includes notable pieces like "L'infinito," which contemplates infinity, and "Il passero solitario," reflecting on solitude. Other works, such as "A Silvia" and "Amore e Morte," examine love's complexities and the inevitability of death. The poet also engages with historical and mythological references, as seen in "Alla primavera" and "Inno ai patriarchi." Further, the anthology presents a range of emotional landscapes, from the tranquility after a storm in "La quiete dopo la tempesta" to the vibrant life depicted in "Il sabato del villaggio." The poet's introspection is evident in "A se stesso," while "La ginestra" offers a poignant commentary on resilience in adversity. The collection concludes with fragments and translations, providing a comprehensive look at the poet's life and work, enriched by notes and literary references that enhance the reader's understanding of the themes and contexts explored throughout.
