Papini, Giovanni (1881–1956)

Italian author. He used the pseudonym Gian Falco. He wrote numerous essays and criticism; volumes of poetry, including Cento pagine di poesia 1915, Opera prima 1917, and Pane e vino 1926; and novels, including Parole e sangue 1912. Un uomo finito 1912 is autobiography.

After joining the Futurist movement (see Futurism), he founded, with the artist and writer Ardegno Soffici (1878–1964) and others, the review Lacerba 1913. Formerly a sceptic, especially famous through his Stroncature 1916, he accepted the Catholic faith while writing Storia di Cristo 1921. Later works include Storia della letteratura italiana 1937.

Born in Florence, Papini was largely self-taught and, together with Giuseppe Prezzolini (‘Giuliano il sofista’), he helped found the review Leonardo 1903–07. His essays and works of criticism include Il crepuscolo dei filosofi 1906, La paga del sabato 1915, L'uomo Carducci 1918, Le più belle pagine di A Manzoni 1923, Dante vivo 1933, Italia mia 1939, and Figure umane 1940