Italo Calvino

Dec 19, 2024

Guest

Jennifer Burns

Jennifer Burns, Guido Bonsaver, and Beatrice Sica bring Italo Calvino to life. They delve into how his wartime experiences shaped his pivot from realism to fantasy. The guests explore his iconic works like 'Invisible Cities,' where he weaves profound themes of memory and perception. Calvino’s childhood tales spark joy in his narrative style, while his evolution showcases innovative techniques that continue to inspire today. Discussions reveal his nuanced engagement with social issues and the complexities of gender representation, highlighting his remarkable legacy.

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ANECDOTE

Calvino's Partisan War Experience

Italo Calvino joined communist partisans in WWII and fought in guerrilla actions against fascists and Nazis.
He described these experiences through the eyes of an adolescent in his first novel, The Path to the Spiders' Nests (1947).

INSIGHT

Fantasy Over Realism for Politics

Calvino moved from writing realist novels to fantasy to better express social and political reality.
He found metaphors and fables easier to use for political engagement than straightforward realism.

INSIGHT

Fairy Tales Shape Calvino's Style

Calvino assembled Italy's first collection of fairy tales, drawing on rich regional traditions.
Fairy tales influenced his narrative style, pushing him towards experimentation and metafiction.

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Invisible Cities

Italo Calvino

Invisible Cities is a novel by Italo Calvino that defies traditional narrative structures. The book revolves around the conversations between Marco Polo and Kublai Khan, where Polo describes 55 imaginary cities he encountered during his travels. These cities are not just physical places but also metaphors for human experiences, desires, and the passage of time. The novel explores themes of memory, place, and the subjective nature of experience, highlighting how our perceptions of cities and the world are shaped by our personal histories and biases. The cities described by Polo are often reflections of his home city, Venice, and serve as vehicles for Calvino's commentary on human nature, culture, and the limits of communication[1][3][4].

If on a winter's night a traveler

Italo Calvino

Published in 1979, 'If on a winter's night a traveler' is a novel that blurs the lines between reader and narrative. The story is told in a frame structure, where each chapter alternates between the reader's adventures in attempting to read a book and the beginnings of ten different novels, each in a distinct style and genre. The narrative explores themes such as the subjectivity of meaning, the relationship between fiction and life, and the nature of reading itself. The book is characterized by its metafictional elements, where the reader is directly addressed and becomes a part of the story, and it delves into the complexities of human relationships and the act of reading[2][4][5].

Kim

Rudyard Kipling

The novel follows Kimball O'Hara, a white orphan boy living in British India, who becomes embroiled in the 'Great Game' of espionage while also being spiritually bound to a Tibetan Buddhist lama. Kim navigates between his life as a spy and his role as the lama's disciple, traveling across India and encountering various cultures and characters. The story explores themes of identity, imperialism, and spiritual quest, set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian society under British rule.

The Baron in the Trees

Italo Calvino

The Baron in the Trees tells the story of Cosimo Piovasco di Rondò, a young Italian nobleman who, after a family dispute, decides to live his life entirely in the trees. The novel follows his adventures, friendships, and romantic encounters as he navigates the world from his arboreal perspective. Italo Calvino masterfully weaves a tale that blends fantasy with historical realism, exploring themes of individualism and societal norms.

Treasure Island

Robert Louis Stevenson

The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who lives at the Admiral Benbow Inn with his mother. After the death of a mysterious sea captain, Billy Bones, Jim finds a map that leads to the treasure of Captain Flint. Along with Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney, Jim sets sail on the Hispaniola to find the treasure, unaware that many of the crew members are former pirates of Captain Flint's ship, led by the cunning Long John Silver. The novel unfolds as a tale of adventure, mutiny, and the struggle between good and evil, with Jim facing numerous challenges and learning valuable lessons about courage and loyalty.

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit

Jeanette Winterson

Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows Jeanette, a young girl raised by a Pentecostal family in England. As she navigates her adolescence, Jeanette confronts her own desires and the strictures of her community, leading to a journey of self-discovery and exploration of identity. The novel explores themes of religion, love, and the challenges of growing up different.

Rabbit Run

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John Updike

John Updike's "Rabbit Run" is the first novel in the Rabbit series, following the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom. It explores themes of mid-life crisis, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in post-war America. Updike's realistic portrayal of suburban life and his exploration of the human condition create a compelling narrative. The novel's exploration of masculinity and the challenges of adulthood have made it a subject of ongoing critical analysis. Its enduring legacy lies in its exploration of the human condition and the enduring power of storytelling.

Cosmic Comics

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Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino's "Cosmicomics" is a collection of short stories that explore the origins of the universe and the nature of existence. Calvino's unique blend of scientific concepts and imaginative storytelling creates a captivating reading experience. The stories are characterized by their wit, philosophical depth, and playful exploration of time and space. Calvino's writing style is both elegant and accessible, making "Cosmicomics" a rewarding read for both science enthusiasts and literature lovers. The book's imaginative approach to scientific concepts makes it a valuable resource for those interested in the intersection of science and art. The stories' philosophical depth invites readers to contemplate the nature of reality and the human condition.

Satanic Verses

Salman Rushdie

The novel follows the lives of two Indian Muslims, Gibreel Farishta and Saladin Chamcha, who survive a plane hijacking and subsequent explosion. As they fall from the plane, they are transformed into angelic and satanic figures. The story delves into various themes, including the founding of Islam through the character Mahound, the story of a visionary girl named Ayesha, and the struggles of identity and faith. The book is known for its complex, multilayered plot and its use of dreams within dreams, which generated significant controversy due to its satirical and imaginative treatment of Islamic themes.

Cosmic Comics

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Italo Calvino

The Path to the Spider's Nest

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Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino's "The Path to the Spider's Nest" is a coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Italian Resistance during World War II. Narrated from the perspective of a young boy, Pin, the novel offers a unique and poignant portrayal of war's impact on children. Pin's experiences in the partisan movement are interwoven with his personal struggles and his search for belonging. The novel's blend of realism and fantasy creates a powerful and unforgettable reading experience. Calvino's masterful use of language and imagery brings the harsh realities of war to life while also exploring themes of innocence, loss, and resilience.

Jungle Books

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Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling's "Jungle Book" is a collection of stories about Mowgli, a human child raised by wolves in the Indian jungle. The stories are filled with adventure, humor, and wisdom, exploring themes of nature, society, and the human condition. Kipling's vivid descriptions of the Indian jungle and its inhabitants create a world that is both exotic and captivating. The stories are known for their memorable characters, their exciting plots, and their timeless appeal. The "Jungle Book" has been adapted into numerous films and stage productions, cementing its place as a classic of children's literature.

Marcovaldo

Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino's "Marcovaldo" is a collection of short stories that depict the everyday life of a man named Marcovaldo in a modern city. The stories are characterized by their whimsical tone and their insightful observations on human nature. Marcovaldo's encounters with the natural world and the urban environment create a series of humorous and poignant moments. Calvino's masterful use of language and imagery brings the city to life, highlighting both its beauty and its absurdity. The book's blend of realism and fantasy has earned it enduring popularity. The stories offer a unique and engaging perspective on the human experience in the modern world.

Mr. Palomar

Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino's "Mr. Palomar" is a collection of short stories that explore the complexities of perception and the human experience. The stories follow Mr. Palomar, a man who observes the world with meticulous attention to detail. His observations often lead to philosophical reflections on the nature of reality and the limitations of human understanding. Calvino's masterful use of language and imagery creates a world that is both familiar and strange. The book's blend of realism and philosophical reflection has earned it enduring popularity. The stories offer a unique and engaging perspective on the human experience in the modern world.

Lincoln

Gore Vidal

Gore Vidal's "Lincoln" is a historical novel that tells the story of Abraham Lincoln's presidency during the American Civil War. The novel explores themes of politics, leadership, and the struggle for national unity. Vidal's vivid prose and his insightful observations on human nature create a world that is both compelling and thought-provoking. The novel is known for its memorable characters, its realistic portrayal of historical events, and its powerful exploration of political and social issues. "Lincoln" is considered one of Vidal's masterpieces, showcasing his talent for storytelling and his deep understanding of American history and politics.

The Nonexistent Knight

Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino's "The Nonexistent Knight" is a fantastical novel that explores themes of identity, illusion, and the nature of reality. The story centers on Agilulf, a knight who is literally nonexistent, yet he embodies the ideals of chivalry and courage. This paradoxical premise allows Calvino to explore the relationship between appearance and reality, and the ways in which we construct our identities. The novel is characterized by its witty prose and its insightful observations on human nature. Calvino's masterful use of language and imagery creates a world that is both fantastical and profoundly human. The book's blend of fantasy and philosophical reflection has earned it enduring popularity.

Calvino's fictions

Cogito and Cosmos

Kathryn Hume

Kathryn Hume's "Calvino's Fictions: Cogito and Cosmos" is a critical study of Italo Calvino's work, exploring the philosophical and literary dimensions of his writing. The book examines Calvino's engagement with various themes, including the nature of reality, the role of the imagination, and the relationship between literature and science. Hume's analysis provides valuable insights into Calvino's unique approach to storytelling and his enduring influence on contemporary literature. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Calvino's work or the broader field of postmodern literature. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Calvino's literary achievements.

The Cloven Viscount

Italo Calvino

Italo Calvino's "The Cloven Viscount" is a fantastical novel that explores the duality of human nature. The story centers on Medardo of Terralba, a viscount who is literally split in two during a battle, resulting in a good half and a bad half. This unusual premise allows Calvino to explore themes of morality, identity, and the complexities of human experience. The novel is characterized by its witty prose and its insightful observations on human behavior. Calvino's masterful use of language and imagery creates a world that is both fantastical and profoundly human. The book's blend of fantasy and social commentary has earned it enduring popularity.

Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the Italian author of Invisible Cities, If On A Winter's Night A Traveller, Cosmicomics and other celebrated novels, fables and short stories of the 20th Century. Calvino (1923 -1985) had a passionate belief that writing and art could make life better for everyone. Despite his parents being scientists, who dearly wanted him to be a scientist too, and his time fighting with the Partisans in Liguria in WWII during which his parents were held hostage by the Nazis, Calvino turned away from realism in his writing. Ideally, he said, he would have liked to be alive in the Enlightenment. He moved towards the fantastical, drawing on his childhood reading while collecting a huge number of the fables of Italy and translating them from dialect into Italian to enrich the shared culture of his fellow citizens. His fresh perspective on the novel continues to inspire writers and delight readers in Italian and in translations around the world.

With

Guido Bonsaver Professor of Italian Cultural History at the University of Oxford

Jennifer Burns Professor of Italian Studies at the University of Warwick

And

Beatrice Sica Associate Professor in Italian Studies at UCL

Producer: Simon Tillotson

Reading list:

Elio Baldi, The Author in Criticism: Italo Calvino’s Authorial Image in Italy, the United States, and the United Kingdom (Fairleigh Dickinson University Press, 2020)

Elio Baldi and Cecilia Schwartz, Circulation, Translation and Reception Across Borders: Italo Calvino’s Invisible Cities Around the World (Routledge, 2024)

Peter Bondanella and Andrea Ciccarelli (eds.), The Cambridge Companion to the Italian Novel (Cambridge University Press, 2003), especially the chapter ‘Italo Calvino and Umberto Eco: Postmodern Masters’

James Butler, ‘Infinite Artichoke’ (London Review of Books, vol. 45, no. 12, 15 June 2023)

Italo Calvino (trans. Martin McLaughlin), The Path to the Spiders’ Nests (first published 1947; Penguin Classics, 2009)

Italo Calvino (trans. Mikki Taylor), The Baron in the Trees (first published 1957; Vintage Classics, 2021)

Italo Calvino, Marcovaldo (first published 1963; Vintage Classics, 2023)

Italo Calvino (trans. William Weaver and Ann Goldstein), Difficult Loves and Other Stories (first published 1970; Vintage Classics, 2018)

Italo Calvino (trans. William Weaver), Invisible Cities (first published 1972; Vintage Classics, 1997)

Italo Calvino (trans. Patrick Creagh), The Uses of Literature (first published 1980; Houghton Mifflin, 1987)

Italo Calvino (trans. Geoffrey Brock), Six Memos for the Next Millennium (first published 1988; Penguin Classics, 2016)

Italo Calvino (trans. Tim Parks), The Road to San Giovanni (first published 1990; HMH Books, 2014)

Italo Calvino (trans. Ann Goldstein), The Written World and the Unwritten World: Essays (Mariner Books Classics, 2023)

Kathryn Hume, Calvino's Fictions: Cogito and Cosmos (Clarendon Press, 1992)

Martin McLaughlin, Italo Calvino (Edinburgh University Press, 1998)

In Our Time is a BBC Studios Audio Production