Modernitalia: Edited by Francesca Santovetti

In his book "Modernitalia," Jeffrey T. Schnapp explores the metaphysics of speed, futurist and dada typography, real and imaginary forms of architecture, shifting regimes of mass spectacle, the iconography of labor, exhibitions as modes of public mobilization and persuasion, and the emergence of industrial models of literary culture and communication. The volume features figures such as Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, Mario Morasso, Julius Evola, Piero Portaluppi, Giuseppe Terragni, Alessandro Blasetti, Massimo Bontempelli, Giorgio de Chirico, Bruno Munari, Curzio Malaparte, and Henry Furst, as well as granite blocks, military searchlights, worker armies, sunglasses, newsreels, and book covers and bindings.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 28 April 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang UK

Modernitalia is a captivating exploration of the Italian twentieth century, presented through a series of twelve essays by renowned cultural historian Jeffrey T. Schnapp. This comprehensive volume traverses a diverse range of disciplines, including literature, architecture, design, and the visual arts. It delves into profound metaphysical concepts such as speed, futurist typography, the interplay between real and imaginary architectural forms, shifting regimes of mass spectacle, the iconography of labor, exhibitions as powerful tools of public mobilization and persuasion, and the emergence of industrial models of literary culture and communication.

The book features a constellation of influential figures who left their mark on the Italian cultural landscape during this transformative era. These individuals include Filippo Tommaso Marinetti, Mario Morasso, Julius Evola, Piero Portaluppi, Giuseppe Terragni, Alessandro Blasetti, Massimo Bontempelli, Giorgio de Chirico, Bruno Munari, Curzio Malaparte, and Henry Furst. Alongside these human protagonists, the volume also showcases the profound influence of granite blocks, military searchlights, worker armies viewed as machines, sunglasses that straddle the boundaries between private and public spaces, newsreels as reinterpretations of Trajan's column, and book covers and bindings that serve as authorial self-portraits.

Through its rich and multifaceted narrative, Modernitalia captures the essence of the Italian path to cultural modernity, showcasing its brilliance and complexity. It offers a profound insight into the social, political, and artistic forces that shaped this era, providing a valuable resource for scholars, enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of Italian history and culture.

Weight: 477g
Dimension: 225 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803742236
Edition number: New ed