Eugenio Montale's libraries

Abstract

In the absence of a specific Montale library, the essay traces its possible structure, particularly for his formative years and the Genoese period, based on the two surviving book collections in Genoa and Milan, the reading records in the Genoese Notebook and correspondence, from the letters of his sister Marianna Montale; the letters to Francesco Meriano and Sergio Solmi; and reviews with related citations of books and authors. The information documents him as an omnivorous reader of literature, philosophy, and spirituality, a connoisseur of the classics and of the most modern Italian and European culture, which he followed extensively in newspapers and magazines.

In the absence of a specific Montale library, this essay traces its possible structure, particularly during his formative years and his time in Genoa, based on the two surviving book collections in Genoa and Milan, the reading records of the Quaderno genovese and correspondence, from his sister Marianna Montale's letters; letters to Francesco Meriano and Sergio Solmi; and reviews with related citations of books and authors. The news shows us an omnivorous reader of literature, philosophy, and spirituality, a connoisseur of the classics and the most modern Italian and European culture, followed extensively also in newspapers and magazines.