Opera aperta: Italian Electronic Literature from the 1960s to the Present

The book "Italian Electronic Literature: A History" by Emanuela Patti is a comprehensive survey of the field that connects semiotic theories of open textuality to the socio-political transformations of Italy from the 1960s to the present. It explores how Italian writers, poets, literary critics, and intellectuals have responded to each phase of the digital revolution, enacting "poetics of openness" and "politics of intermediality."

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

In 1962, Umberto Eco published "Opera Aperta," heralding a new wave of creative experimentation across the arts and media. The concept of "open work" – informed by systems theory, cybernetics, relativism, pragmatism, and other influential disciplines of the time – was used by Eco to reimagine the work of art as a site for interactivity, collaboration, and intermediality. Building upon this foundation, this book reconstructs the history of Italian electronic literature, exploring creative practices across literature, electronic and digital media from the early days of computers to the social media age. It examines how Italian writers, artists, and designers have embraced new technologies and platforms to create innovative and interdisciplinary works that challenge traditional boundaries and push the limits of artistic expression. Through a comprehensive analysis of key texts, interviews with leading figures in the field, and a rich visual archive, this book offers a comprehensive and accessible account of the evolution of Italian electronic literature and its impact on contemporary culture.

The study of Italian electronic literature has long been overlooked, despite the significant contributions of Italian artists and writers to the field. Emanuela Patti's book, "Italian Electronic Literature: A History," seeks to rectify this by providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the evolution of electronic literature in Italy. Patti's work is particularly noteworthy for its interdisciplinary approach, which combines semiotic theories of open textuality with a deep understanding of the socio-political transformations that have shaped Italian culture since the 1960s.

One of the key strengths of "Italian Electronic Literature: A History" is its ability to trace the historical development of electronic literature in Italy. Patti begins by examining the early experiments with computer-generated poetry and prose in the 1960s and 1970s, which were driven by the technological advancements of the time. She then moves on to explore the emergence of literary genres such as hypertext and multimedia poetry in the 1980s and 1990s, which were influenced by the rise of the internet and new digital media technologies.

Patti's book also highlights the important role that Italian electronic literature has played in shaping the broader the socio-political discourse of the country. Many Italian writers and artists have used their work to address issues of gender, sexuality, race, and identity, challenging traditional notions of Italian culture and society. For example, the works of Paolo Virzì and Giancarlo Sanguineti have explored the complexities of Italian masculinity and the role of the Italian family in the 20th century, while the works of Maria Teresa Campanella and Valeria Luiselli have addressed issues of gender inequality and the representation of women in media and popular culture.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, "Italian Electronic Literature: A History" also offers valuable insights into the theoretical and methodological approaches to studying electronic literature. Patti draws on a range of interdisciplinary sources, including literary theory, media studies, and computer science, to develop a comprehensive framework for analyzing electronic literature. She also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the study of electronic literature, arguing that it is essential to bring together scholars from different fields to gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between technology, culture, and artistic practice.

Overall, "Italian Electronic Literature: A History" is a groundbreaking work that fills a significant gap in the literature on electronic literature. By providing a comprehensive and engaging account of the evolution of electronic literature in Italy, Patti's book offers valuable insights into the complex relationships between technology, culture, and artistic practice. It is a must-read for scholars and students interested in the field of electronic literature and its global implications.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789978599
Edition number: New ed