Key Facts
- ✓ The Italian translation of 'El quadern gris' has been met with widespread praise in the cultural sections of major Italian newspapers.
- ✓ Josep Pla spent extensive periods in Italy starting in the 1920s, traveling the country by car, train, and small boat.
- ✓ In the summer of 1938, Pla undertook a notable steamship voyage from Alguer to Trieste, a journey that captured his adventurous spirit.
- ✓ He dedicated one of his most famous books, 'Cartes d’Itàlia', to the country in 1954, documenting his experiences and observations.
- ✓ Pla was an avid reader of Italian literature, with a particular passion for Leopardi's 'Zibaldone' and the works of Pirandello.
- ✓ This new recognition marks the end of a long period where this major European writer was largely unknown to the Italian public.
A Century-Old Promise Fulfilled
When a young Josep Pla proclaimed in a moment of euphoria, “Itàlia és el meu país. L’italià és la meva llengua, la pasta el meu menjar i el chianti el meu beure” (Italy is my country. Italian is my language, pasta my food, and Chianti my drink), he could not have foreseen the literary resonance that would follow a century later. Today, that youthful passion is being validated on a grand scale.
The recent Italian translation of El quadern gris has filled the cultural pages of Italy’s most prominent newspapers with praise. This event marks a pivotal moment, bringing the influential Catalan writer and journalist to the forefront of Italian literary conversation, finally closing the chapter on his long-standing status as an unknown figure in the region.
A Lifelong Itinerary 🇮🇹
Pla’s connection with Italy was not fleeting; it was a deep, immersive exploration that began in the 1920s. He didn't just visit—he lived there for extended periods, traversing the entire length and breadth of the country by both car and train. His curiosity knew no bounds, extending to the islands, which he explored by small boat.
One particularly memorable journey in the summer of 1938 stands out as almost novelistic. Pla embarked on a steamship voyage from Alguer to Trieste, a route that captured the essence of his adventurous spirit and his commitment to documenting the Italian landscape and its people. This extensive travel formed the backbone of his literary output concerning the nation.
His itinerary included:
"Itàlia és el meu país. L’italià és la meva llengua, la pasta el meu menjar i el chianti el meu beure"
— Josep Pla
Literary Tributes and Influences
Pla’s time in Italy was not just about observation; it was about synthesis and homage. He channeled his experiences into dozens of articles analyzing the Italy of his era, creating a rich journalistic record. This dedication culminated in one of his most celebrated books, Cartes d’Itàlia, published in 1954, which remains a cornerstone of his work on the subject.
Beyond his own writing, Pla was a voracious reader and admirer of Italian culture. He immersed himself in the works of Leopardi, reading the Zibaldone with passion, and was enthralled by the plays of Pirandello. His admiration extended to the Italian press itself, which he held in high regard for its quality and scope.
“Itàlia és el meu país. L’italià és la meva llengua, la pasta el meu menjar i el chianti el meu beure.”
A Bridge of Words
The translation of El quadern gris serves as a critical bridge, finally allowing the Italian public to access the work of a writer who has long been a central figure in Catalan and European literature. For decades, the lack of translation created a barrier, leaving one of the continent's great grafòmans (prolific writers) largely unheard in Italy.
This new edition does more than just translate words; it translates a legacy. The chorus of praise from Italian cultural critics suggests that Pla’s observational style, his sharp wit, and his profound insights into the human condition resonate powerfully with contemporary Italian readers, validating the deep connection he felt for the country throughout his life.
A Legacy Cemented
The reception of El quadern gris in Italy is more than a publishing success; it is the culmination of a lifelong dialogue between a writer and a country. Josep Pla’s declaration of love for Italy has been answered a century later with a chorus of critical acclaim, cementing his status as a truly European voice.
As the praise continues to fill the pages of Italian newspapers, it is clear that the writer who once called Italy his home has finally found a permanent home for his work in the Italian literary canon. The journey from the steamship of 1938 to the bookshelves of today is now complete.
