Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino

Deceased · Born: Oct 15, 1923 · Died: Sep 19, 1985

Personal Details

BornOct 15, 1923 Santiago de las Vegas, Cuba
Parents
  • Mario Calvino
  • Giulia Luigia Evelina Mameli
Relatives
  • Floriano Calvino (Sibling)

Biography

Italo Calvino, a celebrated Italian writer and journalist of international acclaim, was born on October 15, 1923, in Santiago de las Vegas, a charming suburb of Havana, Cuba, a city known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere.

His father, Mario Calvino, was a highly respected tropical agronomist and botanist who had previously resided in Mexico, where he held a prestigious position with the Ministry of Agriculture, a testament to his exceptional expertise and dedication to his field.

Mario Calvino had emigrated to Mexico in 1909, and prior to that, he was an ardent follower of the Russian prince and philosopher, Peter Kropotkin, and a passionate advocate for Socialist Reformism, reflecting his strong convictions and commitment to social justice.

As a result of his father's diverse experiences and exposure to different cultures, Italo Calvino's upbringing was marked by a unique blend of Italian, Mexican, and Cuban influences, which would later shape his writing and worldview.

Italo Calvino's mother, Giuliana Luigia Evelina "Eva" Mameli, was a renowned botanist and university professor, hailing from Sassari, Sardinia, where she was born. Interestingly, Eva was 11 years younger than her husband, and she wed while still serving as a junior lecturer at Pavia University. As a pacifist, Eva was deeply rooted in the "religion of civic duty and science", which significantly shaped her worldview. Notably, Eva bestowed upon Calvino his distinctive first name, Italo, as a means of instilling in him a sense of his Italian heritage. However, Calvino himself later regarded the name as having a somewhat "belligerently nationalist" connotation.

It's worth noting that Calvino's upbringing was marked by the stark contrast between his parents' personalities, which posed a significant challenge for him in terms of understanding and relating to the realities of poverty and the working-class experience. As a young adolescent, he struggled to form meaningful connections with the laborers who would frequent his father's study on Saturdays, where they would receive their weekly paycheck. This disconnect may have been due, in part, to the socioeconomic disparities that existed during this time period.

In 1925, the Calvino family made the significant decision to leave their foreign residence and return to Italy, ultimately settling in the charming coastal town of Sanremo, located on the picturesque Ligurian coast. This move would have a profound impact on Calvino's life, shaping his worldview and influencing the themes and motifs that would appear in his later literary works.

Notably, Calvino's younger brother, Floriano, was born in 1927 and would go on to become a renowned geologist, earning distinction in his field.

Italo Calvino, a renowned Italian writer, embarked on a prolific literary journey, penning numerous notable works that would leave a lasting impact on the literary world. One of his most notable series, the Our Ancestors trilogy, showcased his mastery of storytelling and his ability to weave complex narratives that captivated readers. Additionally, his Cosmicomics collection of short stories further demonstrated his versatility as a writer, as he effortlessly transitioned between genres and styles. Furthermore, his novels, including Invisible Cities and If on a winter's night a traveler, solidified his position as a leading literary figure, with both works receiving widespread acclaim and critical acclaim.

Career

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2003
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1962
Boccaccio '70
Boccaccio '70 as Screenplay