Italian Literature in the Nuclear Age: A Poetics of the Bystander

Italian Literature in the Nuclear Age: A Poetics of the Bystander examines the role of the bystander in the Nuclear Age, focusing on Italy as a paradigmatic case. The book frames Italy's mix of implication and powerlessness as a geopolitical question and rethinks the role of the sidelined intellectual in the face of mass extinction. The authors address the atomic question through experimental forms, challenging the notion of disengagement and inconsistency.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Italian Literature in the Nuclear Age: A Poetics of the Bystander delves into the often overlooked role of the bystander during the Nuclear Age, with a specific focus on the Italian context as a paradigmatic case. Despite hosting hundreds of American atomic weapons without possessing its own nuclear arsenal, Italy's position was characterized by ambiguity and a sense of passivity. Drawing inspiration from Seamus Heaney's assertion that there is no such thing as innocent by-standing, the book frames Italy's complex mix of implication and powerlessness not only as a geopolitical concern but also as an opportunity to reevaluate the role of the marginalized intellectual in the face of mass extinction.

The book is organized into discrete chapters that examine the major Italian intellectuals of the time, including Italo Calvino, Alberto Moravia, Elsa Morante, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Leonardo Sciascia. These authors, aware of their political marginalization, approached the atomic question through a diverse range of experimental forms, employing allusive and oblique approaches to tackle the nearly unthinkable theme. Often perceived as disengaged, inconsistent, or merely playful, these works demand a political reading that recognizes their confrontation with the paradoxes of the nuclear age.

Through their literary works, these Italian intellectuals sought to challenge the dominant narratives and ideologies of their time. They explored the ethical dilemmas and moral quandaries posed by the nuclear era, questioning the authority of governments, the responsibilities of individuals, and the impact of technology on human existence. Their writings offer a critical reflection on the political, social, and cultural implications of the nuclear age, challenging readers to consider the complexities and consequences of this historical period.

Italian Literature in the Nuclear Age: A Poetics of the Bystander serves as a valuable contribution to the study of literature and history, shedding light on the overlooked position of the bystander in the Nuclear Age. By examining the Italian context, the book offers a unique perspective on the complexities of power, implication, and resistance in a period of global uncertainty and change. It encourages readers to reevaluate the role of the intellectual in society and to recognize the importance of engaging with the challenges of our time.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 224 x 144 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192868855