Elio Vittorini is one of the most significant Italian intellectuals of the last century as his fiction and his writings are fundamental to understanding how Italian literature developed after World War II. Vittorini’s experience as a novelist, translator, literary critic, and editor crosses major historical events that took place in Italy during his lifetime. Besides being the author of

Conversazione in Sicilia

[Conversation in Sicily] (1938), considered one of the masterpieces of pre-World War II literature, he became the editor of major publishing houses such as Bompiani and Mondadori, promoting many young and talented writers like Beppe Fenoglio and Italo Calvino.

Vittorini was born in Siracusa, Sicily, in a working-class family. His father was employed by the national railroad

2229 words

Citation: Mazzola, Claudio. "Elio Vittorini". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 22 October 2020 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=14626, accessed 31 October 2024.]

14626 Elio Vittorini 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.