Novelle e ghiribizzi

A spirited compilation of short novellas and theatrical “ghiribizzi,” this volume captures the lively wit of a 19th‑century Italian writer who blended sharp social satire with a love of language. The editor’s note reveals that many pieces first appeared in fleeting newspaper runs or limited editions, now gathered together for the first time in a single, corrected edition. Though a few promised appendices are missing, the collection’s charm lies in its brisk, clear prose and the author's habit of slipping playful jabs at contemporary scholars and literary debates.

The opening story, “Don Ficchíno,” follows a notorious flatterer who clings to every noble, scholar, and fashionable figure he can find, turning his relentless ambition into comic calamity. Through exaggerated descriptions and lively dialogue, the tale skewers pretentiousness while celebrating the absurdities of social climbing. Listeners who enjoy clever wordplay, vivid character sketches, and a dash of historical flavor will find this early‑act portrait both entertaining and a delightful glimpse into the author’s broader oeuvre.