Modernist Idealism: Ambivalent Legacies of German Philosophy in Italian Literature

"Michael J. Subialka delves into the complexities of the reception of nineteenth-century German idealism (in particular Hegel and Schopenhauer) within the Italian literary context of the early twentieth century. In looking at the impact exercised on D’Annunzio, Capuana, Futurism, Svevo, Pirandello, Deledda, and Montale, this fascinating study examines the role played by major Italian idealist philosophers (Croce and Gentile) but also takes into account different perspectives, such as vitalism, spiritualism, and new materialism. This book is an indispensable tool for understanding the real meaning of Italian modernism."

Giuseppe Stellardi, associate professor of Italian, University of Oxford

"An outstanding tour de force on Italian modernism that spans different continents and cultural fields. Michael J. Subialka originally connects two very antithetical giants of German philosophy, Hegel and Schopenhauer, to show that what he calls Italian modernist idealism is, in fact, a combination of different art forms and philosophical thought ranging from the traditional spiritual and political idealism of Hegel to the fascist occultism of Julius Evola. The book’s perfect conclusion underscores the modernist ‘ambivalent amalgamation’ of different art forms and philosophical thought."

Daniela Bini, professor of Italian studies and comparative literature, University of Texas at Austin

"Comparative in design, sweeping in scope, and specific in detail, Michael J. Subialka’s masterful account of the reception of German idealist philosophy in Italy in the early twentieth century leads to the author’s innovative concept of ‘modernist idealism.’ The explanatory power of this idea yields fresh insights into a panoply of writers, artists, and movements, expanding current debates about Italian modernism, the relation of aesthetics to politics, and the global turn within the new modernist studies."

John P. Welle, professor emeritus of Italian and concurrent professor emeritus of film, television, and theatre, University of Notre Dame