At the Roots of Italian Identity: 'Race' and 'Nation' in the Italian Risorgimento, 1796-1870

This book explores the relationship between the ideas of nation and race among the nationalist intelligentsia of the Italian Risorgimento and argues that ideas of race played a significant role in defining Italian national identity. It draws upon a wide range of sources to demonstrate that racialization of the Italians dates back to the early Napoleonic age and that naturalistic racialism emerged before the late 1860s.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between the concepts of nation and race among the nationalist intelligentsia of the Italian Risorgimento. It makes a compelling argument that ideas of race played a significant role in shaping Italian national identity. The author reveals that the racialization of Italians can be traced back to the early Napoleonic age, and that naturalistic racialism, or race-thinking based on the taxonomies of human natural history, emerged much earlier than traditionally assumed, in the late 1860s, coinciding with the rise of positivist anthropology.

The book draws upon a diverse range of sources, including the insightful works of Vincenzo Cuoco, Giuseppe Micali, Adriano Balbi, Alessanro Manzoni, Giandomenico Romagnosi, Cesare Balbo, Vincenzo Gioberti, and Carlo Cattaneo. These sources provide valuable insights into the themes explored, including the historical connections to antiquity on the Italian peninsula, archaeology, and the pervasive influence of race-thinking.

Through meticulous research and analysis, the author unravels the complex web of ideas that contributed to the construction of Italian national identity. They demonstrate how the notion of race was intertwined with notions of nation, culture, and history, shaping the perceptions and attitudes of the Italian Risorgimento's intellectual elite. The book sheds light on the ways in which race was used to justify political and social agendas, as well as to promote a sense of unity and belonging among Italians.

Moreover, the book explores the historical and cultural contexts in which these ideas emerged. It examines the influence of Enlightenment thinkers, such as Voltaire and Montesquieu, on the development of racial theories in Italy. It also examines the role of colonialism and imperialism in shaping the perceptions of race and identity among Italians.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the study of nationalism, race, and identity. It provides a comprehensive and nuanced analysis of the relationship between these concepts in the Italian Risorgimento. Through its rich and detailed examination of historical and cultural factors, the book offers valuable insights into the complex processes that shaped Italian national identity and the enduring legacy of race-thinking in modern Italy.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367524593