Letters overflowing with vitality, penned by Elena and Camilla
In the heart of mid-20th century Italy, two prominent figures, Elena Croce and Camilla Salvago Raggi, engaged in a rich epistolary exchange that spanned decades. This correspondence, now compiled in the book Write to Me, offers a captivating glimpse into the lives of these intellectual powerhouses and the society they inhabited.
Elena Croce, the eldest daughter of the renowned philosopher Benedetto Croce, was a prominent intellectual, essayist, and translator in her own right. She was also a key figure in the publication of the cultural, political, and economic magazine "Settanta." Camilla Salvago Raggi, a Ligurian writer and translator, was a close friend and correspondent of Elena.
Their letters, filled with cultural references, discussions about books, magazines, and the Italian publishing world, also mention several influential figures who played significant roles in their lives and in Italian society. Among these are Adriano Tilgher, an Italian philosopher and literary critic, and other intellectual friends and family members who were part of Elena and Camilla's social and cultural circle.
The correspondence extends beyond Italian borders, discussing events in Poland, Russia, Germany, and Hungary. The letters span from the late 60s to the early 90s, offering a unique perspective on the changing dynamics of society and politics during this period.
Elena Croce's concerns about the shift in customs and social relations are evident in her correspondence. She expresses her dismay at the inefficiency and paralysis that seemed to be creeping into the political landscape. In her last letter dated April 26, 1992, Elena bids farewell to Camilla Salvago Raggi, two years before her passing.
Camilla Salvago Raggi's writing, as seen in her book "Before the Fire" published in 1992, focuses on her childhood and family roots. Her work was greatly appreciated by Elena Croce. Stefano Verdino admired Elena's mental dynamism but noted that she could not fully grasp Camilla's vast, multifaceted intellectual plane.
The correspondence between Elena Croce and Camilla Salvago Raggi provides a snapshot of Italian society during this time period, offering a fascinating insight into the lives of these two remarkable women and the world they inhabited.
