This book brings together articles and contributions that, from the 1960s to the beginning of the 21st century, Antonio La Penna has dedicated to the history of philology and classical studies in Italy between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. They have been collected with competent and loving care, and provided with an enlightening introduction, by two students of the great scholar, Stefano Grazzini and Giovanni Niccoli.

Volume I

This collection features a diverse array of subjects that illustrate the extensive cultural and scholarly interests of Antonio La Penna. A significant focus of the first volume is the relationship between German and Italian cultures within classical studies from the 1800s through the early 20th century, including an analysis of the impact of German philological methods on the emergence of Italian philology and a look at how classicists such as Giuseppe Fraccaroli and Ettore Romagnoli reacted against German influences. Contributions also highlight the transformation of classical studies and the overarching reform of Italy’s public education system after its unification, noting the influential roles of educational institutions, cultural organizations, periodicals, and publishers. Additionally, the volume delves into the reverence for ancient Roman traditions in the time leading up to and during Italy’s fascist regime, with insightful and expert discourse.

Volume II

In this second volume, Antonio La Penna presents a series of significant scholarly profiles that span from the 1960s to the early years of the 21st century. These insightful portraits take on added depth in light of La Penna’s own remarkable journey — a journey that began with his youthful arrival in Pisa from Irpinia and unfolded through his firsthand interactions with eminent scholars such as Giorgio Pasquali. Moreover, the book reflects La Penna’s intellectual conversations, both real and imagined, with illustrious figures like Francesco De Sanctis, Antonio Gramsci, and Erich Auerbach. The volume owes its existence to the diligent efforts of two of La Penna’s former students, who have brought these thoughtful essays back into the spotlight. Despite their varied origins and contexts, the collection is bound together by a consistent thematic vision and an underlying unity of thought, showcasing the breadth and continuity of La Penna’s scholarship.

About the author and the editors