Mario Soldati's educational background was shaped by his studies at the Jesuit institutions, which laid the foundation for his future intellectual pursuits. During the 1920s, he became acquainted with a circle of liberal intellectuals centered around the influential figure of Piero Gobetti. At the tender age of 18, Soldati penned his first play, "Pilatus", marking the beginning of his literary endeavors.
The early 1930s saw the publication of his first short story collection, "Salmace", which showcased his burgeoning talent as a writer. However, it was his novel "America primo amore" (America First Love),released in 1935, that brought him widespread literary recognition. This work was a personal account of his experiences as a guest professor at Columbia University between 1929 and 1931, which he skillfully transposed into a novel.
Throughout his life, Soldati's creative pursuits were divided between literature and filmmaking. He was also an esteemed scholar of English and American Literature, and his expertise was showcased through several documentary programs produced for the Italian State broadcaster RAI-TV.
