Vasco Pratolini was born in Florence on October 19, 1913, to a very poor family. Despite his lack of formal education, he passionately pursued reading and attended university lectures on literature whenever he could. His book “Metello” depicted the education and life experiences of the protagonist, a laborer named Metello Salani, and emphasized the importance of dignity, rights, and solidarity. Pratolini was known for his commitment to historical analysis in his novels, including “Le ragazze di San Frediano”, “La costanza della ragione”, and “Cronache di poveri amanti”. He became friends with Ottone Rosai and associated with various other intellectuals. Despite his humble origins, Pratolini became one of the greatest Italian writers of the 20th century. He started his writing career in the vibrant intellectual environment of Florence and founded the magazine “Campo di Marte” with Alfonso Gatto in the late 1930s. During World War II, he moved to Rome, joined the underground Communist Party, and participated in the Resistance. After the war, he worked as a journalist and screenwriter, with one of his notable collaborations being with Visconti for the film “Rocco e i suoi fratelli”. His books garnered significant attention and sparked intense critical and ideological debates. Pratolini suddenly passed away in Rome on January 12, 1991, at the age of 78. In times of deep crisis, it would be beneficial to revisit and rediscover his works. Also born on October 19 is Marsilio Ficino, the renowned philosopher, humanist, and astrologer who was influential during the early Renaissance. Maurizio Costanzo concludes the article.
Il 19 ottobre 1913 nasceva Vasco Pratolini, scrittore illustre della Firenze povera
Firenze Nascita di Vasco Pratolini, celebre scrittore fiorentino, il 19 ottobre 1913. GN