Difficult Loves and Other Stories
(Author) Italo CalvinoA spectacular display of this key European writer's early work This dazzling collection of stories follows the individual adventures of a varied cast of characters and masterfully illustrates Calvino's unique perspective and narrative gifts. As well as the thirteen tales from his Difficult Loves collection this volume also includes 'Smog', 'A Plunge into Real Estate' and 'The Argentine Ant'. 'The quirkiness and grace of the writing, the originality of the imagination at work, the occasional incandescence of vision, and a certain loveable nuttiness make this collection well worth reading' Margaret Atwood 'If this is not a masterpiece of twentieth-century prose writing, I cannot think of anything better' Gore Vidal on 'The Argentine Ant'
Italo Calvino
Italo Calvino (1923-1985) was an Italian writer known for his experimental and imaginative works that blurred the lines between fantasy and reality. His most notable works include "Invisible Cities," "If on a winter's night a traveler," and "Cosmicomics." Calvino's writing style was characterized by its playful and innovative approach to storytelling, often incorporating elements of metafiction and magical realism. He is considered a key figure in the literary genre of postmodernism, influencing authors such as Umberto Eco and Salman Rushdie. "Invisible Cities" is widely regarded as his most famous work, exploring themes of memory, imagination, and the nature of storytelling. Calvino's contributions to literature have cemented his legacy as one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.