
A wistful portrait of a vanished Milan, this collection gathers short tales that capture the rhythm of everyday life in the early twentieth‑century city. The stories move from bustling markets to quiet convents, each anchored by the author’s gentle humor and an affection for the ordinary moments that defined a generation. As the narrator reflects on a time that has slipped away, the reader is invited to linger on the lingering aromas of coffee houses, the clatter of tram lines, and the soft lullabies that once echoed through narrow courtyards.
The opening story follows engineer Enrico on his train home, his thoughts drifting to his little son, affectionately called Lolò. Through vivid recollections of nursery rhymes, snowy landscapes, and the tender rituals of family life, the narrative balances nostalgia with a quiet longing for the simple joys that once seemed permanent. The tone remains intimate, inviting listeners to cherish the fragile beauty of those fleeting, beloved moments.
Language
it
Duration
~4 hours (241K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Carlo Traverso, Claudio Paganelli, Barbara Magni and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2013-03-27
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1863–1939
An Italian novelist, essayist, critic, and lexicographer, he brought everyday life and travel to the page with wit, warmth, and a sharp eye for language. A student of Giosuè Carducci, he became especially well known for lively prose and for his long-running dictionary of modern Italian usage.
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