Black title on the cream board binding.

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This is fast becoming a very rare book. Which fact is sad for this writing explains the problem of the two Italy’s. Please view the photographs. A solid and very readable copy. Brilliant classic Italian 1930’s literature. Captures the spirit of Italy under Mussolini and the problem of the mezzogiorno.

Review: I’ve known about this book for years, but somehow never got around to reading it. I was prompted to seek it out after seeing a TV programme that included a visit to the town of Matera in Basilicata, southern Italy. I have been there twice, and this programme reminded me of the importance of Carlo Levi’s book in showing the more affluent north that there were people elsewhere in their country living in poverty, notably in Matera. The book didn’t disappoint and I thoroughly enjoyed it. For those of us who are non-native Italian speakers it is easy to read – he has a straightforward style that means unfamiliar words aren’t a problem – the sense of most can be guessed. I can see now why it was such an eye-opener to northern Italians, awakening them to the ‘problem’ of the mezzogiorno. I can thoroughly recommend it.