The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico By: Antonio Fogazzaro (1842-1911)
The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico by Antonio Fogazzaro is a captivating tale set in the late 19th century, amidst the backdrop of a small Italian village. This historical novel takes readers on an emotional journey, exploring themes of love, duty, and the clash between tradition and progress. The story follows the lives of two main characters, Franco Maironi and Luisa Rigey. Franco is a patriotic and idealistic army officer, deeply rooted in his love for his country. On the other hand, Luisa is a strong-willed young woman torn between her duty towards her family and her affection for Franco. As their paths intertwine, the novel delves into the complexity of their relationship and the challenges they face. Fogazzaro's writing style is extraordinary, effortlessly transporting readers to the picturesque village of Rovère and immersing them in its rich tapestry. Through his vivid descriptions, the author creates a sense of realism that brings the setting to life, making it an integral part of the narrative. This attention to detail allows readers to visualize the scenic landscapes, hear the bustling chatter of the locals, and feel the weight of the characters' emotions. One of the strongest aspects of The Patriot is its exploration of the clash between tradition and progress. Fogazzaro cleverly juxtaposes the conservative, traditional values of the old Italian aristocracy with the emerging liberal ideologies. This ideological tension simmers throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters' struggles. Additionally, the author beautifully captures the personal and societal transformations occurring during this era. The village of Rovère acts as a microcosm of Italy itself, undergoing substantial changes as a result of political and cultural shifts. Fogazzaro provides insightful commentary on the rapidly changing Italian society and the impact it has on the characters and their relationships. However, The Patriot does have some minor flaws. The pacing occasionally feels slow, and some descriptions may appear overly verbose to contemporary readers. While these stylistic choices may be reflective of the time in which the novel was written, they may deter readers seeking a faster-paced narrative. Nevertheless, Fogazzaro's skillful storytelling and intricate character development make The Patriot a compelling read. Readers will be emotionally invested in the characters' personal journeys, as well as the broader themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for identity. This novel stands as a testament to the timeless power of literature to offer profound insights into the human condition. In conclusion, The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico by Antonio Fogazzaro is an engaging historical novel that delves into the complexities of love, duty, and societal change. With its richly detailed setting and skillful character development, the novel offers readers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. Despite minor pacing issues, Fogazzaro's powerful storytelling carries the narrative, making this book a worthwhile read for both lovers of historical fiction and those interested in exploring the depths of the human heart. First Page: E text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Julia Neufeld, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) THE PATRIOT (PICCOLO MONDO ANTICO) by ANTONIO FOGAZZARO Author of "The Saint" Translated from the Italian by M. Prichard Agnetti G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London The Knickerbocker Press Copyright, 1906 by G. P. Putnam's Sons INTRODUCTION The Patriot (Piccolo Mondo Antico) was published in Milan in 1896, and has reached its forty fourth edition, which is in itself sufficient proof of its popularity; for Italians do not purchase books largely, and one volume will often make the tour of a town, coming out of the campaign in rags and a newspaper cover. Although The Patriot is not an historical novel in the true sense of the term, it certainly throws a wonderful side light on those ten years of "deadly cold and awful silence," a silence broken only from time to time by the cries of the martyrs of Mantua, by the noise of inward strife in the Papal States, and by the weeping of mothers who saw their sons disappear behind the clanging doors of Austrian fortresses. These ten years stretched drearily from the disastrous field of Novara to the glorious days of Magenta, Solferino and San Martino (1849 59). Antonio Fogazzaro, born in Vicenza in 1842, was a child when the battle of Novara was fought and lost; but when the French drove the Austrians from the bloody field of Magenta, he, a youth of seventeen, was ready to be fired with patriotic enthusiasm... Continue reading book >>

The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico By: Antonio Fogazzaro (1842-1911)

The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico by Antonio Fogazzaro is a captivating tale set in the late 19th century, amidst the backdrop of a small Italian village. This historical novel takes readers on an emotional journey, exploring themes of love, duty, and the clash between tradition and progress.

The story follows the lives of two main characters, Franco Maironi and Luisa Rigey. Franco is a patriotic and idealistic army officer, deeply rooted in his love for his country. On the other hand, Luisa is a strong-willed young woman torn between her duty towards her family and her affection for Franco. As their paths intertwine, the novel delves into the complexity of their relationship and the challenges they face.

Fogazzaro's writing style is extraordinary, effortlessly transporting readers to the picturesque village of Rovère and immersing them in its rich tapestry. Through his vivid descriptions, the author creates a sense of realism that brings the setting to life, making it an integral part of the narrative. This attention to detail allows readers to visualize the scenic landscapes, hear the bustling chatter of the locals, and feel the weight of the characters' emotions.

One of the strongest aspects of The Patriot is its exploration of the clash between tradition and progress. Fogazzaro cleverly juxtaposes the conservative, traditional values of the old Italian aristocracy with the emerging liberal ideologies. This ideological tension simmers throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the characters' struggles.

Additionally, the author beautifully captures the personal and societal transformations occurring during this era. The village of Rovère acts as a microcosm of Italy itself, undergoing substantial changes as a result of political and cultural shifts. Fogazzaro provides insightful commentary on the rapidly changing Italian society and the impact it has on the characters and their relationships.

However, The Patriot does have some minor flaws. The pacing occasionally feels slow, and some descriptions may appear overly verbose to contemporary readers. While these stylistic choices may be reflective of the time in which the novel was written, they may deter readers seeking a faster-paced narrative.

Nevertheless, Fogazzaro's skillful storytelling and intricate character development make The Patriot a compelling read. Readers will be emotionally invested in the characters' personal journeys, as well as the broader themes of love, loyalty, and the struggle for identity. This novel stands as a testament to the timeless power of literature to offer profound insights into the human condition.

In conclusion, The Patriot Piccolo Mondo Antico by Antonio Fogazzaro is an engaging historical novel that delves into the complexities of love, duty, and societal change. With its richly detailed setting and skillful character development, the novel offers readers a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. Despite minor pacing issues, Fogazzaro's powerful storytelling carries the narrative, making this book a worthwhile read for both lovers of historical fiction and those interested in exploring the depths of the human heart.

First Page:

E text prepared by Juliet Sutherland, Julia Neufeld, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net)

THE PATRIOT

(PICCOLO MONDO ANTICO)

ANTONIO FOGAZZARO

Author of "The Saint"

Translated from the Italian by M. Prichard Agnetti

G. P. Putnam's Sons New York and London The Knickerbocker Press

INTRODUCTION

The Patriot (Piccolo Mondo Antico) was published in Milan in 1896, and has reached its forty fourth edition, which is in itself sufficient proof of its popularity; for Italians do not purchase books largely, and one volume will often make the tour of a town, coming out of the campaign in rags and a newspaper cover.

Although The Patriot is not an historical novel in the true sense of the term, it certainly throws a wonderful side light on those ten years of "deadly cold and awful silence," a silence broken only from time to time by the cries of the martyrs of Mantua, by the noise of inward strife in the Papal States, and by the weeping of mothers who saw their sons disappear behind the clanging doors of Austrian fortresses. These ten years stretched drearily from the disastrous field of Novara to the glorious days of Magenta, Solferino and San Martino (1849 59).

Antonio Fogazzaro, born in Vicenza in 1842, was a child when the battle of Novara was fought and lost; but when the French drove the Austrians from the bloody field of Magenta, he, a youth of seventeen, was ready to be fired with patriotic enthusiasm... Continue reading book >>

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