A new edition of Curzio Malaparte's 'Italia barbara' highlights the intellectual relationship between Malaparte and Piero Gobetti, two prominent figures who opposed fascism yet faced defeat in their utopian visions during the 20th century.
A century later, Passigli has republished Curzio Malaparte's 'Italia barbara,' originally released by Gobetti's editions. This new edition coincides with the anniversary of Gobetti's death in 1926, who was a staunch opponent of fascism and yet a friend-turned-adversary of Malaparte, whom he referred to as 'the most beautiful pen of fascism.' The book's introduction by Francesco Perfetti emphasizes the scholarly and personal relationship between Malaparte and Gobetti, tying it back to the intellectual milieu of the 1920s.
Perfetti's preface draws on the nuances of their friendship and rivalry, examining the cultural atmosphere in Italy during the rise of fascism, a period that defined their lives and works. Gobetti's life was tragically cut short due to an attack from fascist squads while he was exiled in Paris, aiming to continue his editorial work. This context is crucial in understanding the weight of their ideas and the stark contrast between their anti-modernist stances and the prevailing ideologies of their time.
The republishing of 'Italia barbara' serves not only as a literary re-discovery but also as a reminder of the failed utopias of the 20th century that Malaparte and Gobetti represented. Their legacies shed light on the ongoing struggle against authoritarianism and provide an important lesson regarding the cost of intellectual resistance in turbulent political climates.
