Arturo Graf

Born in Athens in 1848 to a father of German origin and an Italian mother, he spent part of his youth in Trieste before continuing his education in Naples. That mix of places and cultures is often noted as part of the background to his literary voice.

He built his reputation as a poet, critic, and man of letters, and is remembered as an important figure in Italian literary culture in the late 1800s. In 1876, he was appointed professor of Italian literature at the University of Turin, where he taught for many years and influenced generations of students.

Graf died in 1913. Today he is remembered not only for his poetry, but also for the serious, searching tone of his criticism and scholarship.