The Written World and the Unwritten World

Electric … this rich collection of essays, reviews, interviews and more … are not only the backstory to his fictional method, but often another expression of it – Tim Adams * Observer *Engagingly whimsical … a wry sense of humour … there are gems to be mined. And, like real precious stones, they are found in unlikely places * Economist *Glimmering insight and wit … incisive … reading this book is time spent with a first-rate mind – Chris Power * The Sunday Times *Playful … unfailingly stimulating … there are plenty of delights – John Self * Guardian *It is for these moments of pathos, irony and honesty, when palaces of dazzling reflection are swept aside and the most adventurous thinking is undone, that one reads Italo Calvino – Tim Parks * TLS *Intelligent, witty, pleasingly erudite and razor-sharp – Alberto Manguel * Literary Review *Wonderful … surveys his varied interests and discerning style … Calvino’s prose is sparkling as ever, and he approaches ideas with wit and an open mind, always ready to challenge a stale point of view. This anthology will delight Calvino fans old and new * Publishers Weekly *

Italo Calvino (1923-1985), one of Italy’s finest postwar writers, has delighted readers around the world with his deceptively simple, fable-like stories. Calvino was born in Cuba in 1923 and raised in San Remo, Italy; he fought for the Italian Resistance from 1943-45. His major works include Cosmicomics (1968), Invisible Cities (1972), and If on a winter’s night a traveler (1979). He died in Siena in 1985.

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