L’Italia Patria Mia

Abstract

Enzo Biagi is one of the best known writers and journalists in Italy today. A traveller by inclination and trade, he has produced many books and articles over the years describing his impressions of the different countries he has visited and the impressions that they have made on him. It was not until relatively late in life, however, that he found himself motivated to turn his attention to the land of his birth and inspired to write down his thoughts. In the introduction to his book Italia, first published in 1975, he wrote: ‘Mi accingo, con serena incoscienza, a parlare dell’Italia. Ne sono convinto: é difficile.’ He is right, of course. We all have our personal impression of Italy depending on places seen, people encountered, books and newspapers read, films viewed, etc. The reality of Italy today is an elusive concept. Italians themselves seem to take delight in analysing their situation — and reaching different conclusions daily. Some commentators discover interesting new details to assist them in their analysis. And Biagi is no exception. Here he provides us with a number of fascinating facts — and a warning.