CROCE E IL CENTENARIO DANTESCO DEL 1921

Abstract

The sixth centenary of the death of Dante provides an unparalleled
opportunity to observe the fate of the Divine Comedy in 20th century Italy.
These observations are based on the various intersections between politics
and literature that were established in the years following the end of the First
World War. Starting with the foundational work of Dionisotti read in the light of
recent historical and literary scholarship it is possible to trace the progression
of the various initiatives, vociferous debates and diverse readings that
emerged out of the celebrations of 1921. The analysis, furthermore, of a
number of overlooked and unpublished documents drawn from the archives of
the press of the time and Benedetto Croce’s private archive provides
invaluable insights into the panorama of Dante’s reception in 20th century Italy
and Europe