The Americas in Italian Literature and Culture, 1700-1825

Stefania Buccini explores the complex relationship between Italy and the New World in The Americas in Italian Literature and Culture, 1700-1825, Volume 1. This scholarly work of literary criticism examines how Italian historians, missionaries, and travelers documented the customs of the Americas during the Age of the Enlightenment. The text analyzes the evolution of American myths in Italian thought, moving from the fascination with pre-Columbian civilizations like the Incas and Aztecs to the revolutionary ideals of the new American republic.

As a significant contribution to European and Italian history, this volume investigates how Enlightenment thinkers projected dreams of renewal onto the Americas. The study details the shift toward celebrating figures like Benjamin Franklin, who became a symbol of liberty and equality within Italian intellectual circles. This historical analysis provides deep insight into the intersection of United States history and 19th Century literary trends, offering a detailed look at how the Americas shaped Italian cultural identity.