L'umorismo

The book opens a wide‑eyed inquiry into the very word “umorismo,” tracing its Latin roots from bodily fluids to the fanciful whims of the mind. By weaving together the remarks of scholars such as D’Ancona, Riedel and the medieval commentator Brunetto Latini, it shows how the term has always hovered between the concrete and the poetic. Early examples from Cecco Angiolieri illustrate how humor once served both as satire and as a subtle art of expression.

From there the discussion expands into a comparative tour of Italian and English traditions, revealing why “humour” in English cannot be reduced to a simple translation. The author interlaces literary excerpts, ancient medical theory and lively proverbs to demonstrate how humor has shaped, and been shaped by, cultural attitudes toward politics, creativity and daily life. The tone remains scholarly yet conversational, inviting listeners to follow each thread without feeling lost in jargon.

By the end of the first part, listeners will have a clear sense of how the ancient four humors—blood, yellow bile, black bile, and phlegm—morph into modern notions of melancholy, anger and gaiety. The work promises a nuanced portrait of humor as both a physiological concept and a spirit of artistic freedom, all delivered through engaging, well‑paced narration.