The National Library of Naples has acquired a precious autograph letter from Giacomo Leopardi, dated 22 December 1824 and addressed to his cousin Giuseppe Melchiorri. This is a letter of historical and literary value, which further enriches the already rich Leopardian collection preserved in the Library and adds to the previous acquisition of an autographed letter from the poet also addressed to his cousin, dated 29 August 1823.
The acquisition took place thanks to the recommendation of the Archival and Bibliographic Superintendence of Lazio and the exercise of the right of pre-emption by the Ministry of Culture and for an amount of 8500 euros.
"The acquisition by the National Library of Naples of an autograph letter by Giacomo Leopardi is news of great importance for the world of Italian culture. This is a document of great value which further enriches the already very rich heritage of the Library and allows us to learn more about the life and thought of one of the greatest poets in our history.”, stated the Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano.
The letter of 22 December 1824, of a predominantly private nature, offers new insights into the life and work of the poet. In it, Leopardi talks about the birth of a composition never published, “an elegant edition - as stated in the text - of the Characters of Theophrastus translated from Greek into pure and good Italian", concrete evidence of Leopardi's philological interest in the creation of an edition of the Greek text that would allow for the most correct translation of a little-known book and of which there was a more imprecise translation made "by Costantini".
The two cousins maintained a close correspondence over time, characterized by a deep affection and a shared interest in culture, thanks to the assiduous acquaintance developed during Leopardi's Roman stays. Similar in the writing of the consonants and vowels both in uppercase and lowercase letters, and in the contents and feelings of mutual esteem expressed in the text, it seems that the two letters may have continuity between them.
The National Library of Naples, third among the most important libraries in Italy after Rome and Florence, preserves a book heritage of almost two million volumes, approximately 20.000 manuscripts, more than 8.000 periodicals, 4.500 incunabula and 1.800 Herculaneum papyri. Rare and precious editions, to which is added the acquisition of this new autograph letter by Giacomo Leopardi. The National Library of Naples, in fact, is the seat of the most important Leopardi collection, which includes not only letters but also autographs, printed works and other documents relating to the poet.
Subscribe to our newsletter!