Ugo Foscolo (1778-1827) La vita italiana durante la Rivoluzione francese e l'Impero

A vivid portrait emerges of a restless young poet whose imagination was shaped by the stark contrast between an idyllic, myth‑laden island childhood and the gritty streets of Venice. Through vivid recollections and contemporary commentary, the book recounts Foscolo’s early years of poverty, his fervent studies, and the burst of early literary triumphs that made him a sensation in the lagoon’s bustling cafés and theatres. Listeners hear how his youthful verses, steeped in classical reverence, already hinted at the restless ambition that would drive his later works.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and the rise of the Empire, the lectures weave personal anecdotes with broader cultural observations, illuminating how the tumult of the era intersected with the poet’s quest for fame. The narrative balances scholarly insight with lively storytelling, offering a nuanced glimpse into the formation of a literary figure whose voice would echo far beyond his modest beginnings.