Professor Reviews Paolo Mantegazza's Writings - Georgetown College

Physician, anthropologist, travel writer, novelist and politician, Paolo Mantegazza (1831–1910) is considered one of the most eclectic figures in late-nineteenth century Italian culture. A prolific writer, Mantegazza can be seen as a forerunner of what has come to be known as cultural studies on account of his interdisciplinary approach, his passionate blend of scientific and literary elements in his writings, and his ability to transcend the boundaries between ‘high’ and ‘low’ culture.

Though extremely popular during his lifetime both in Italy and abroad, Mantegazza’s works have not been made available in a significant English language compilation until now. In The Physiology of Love and Other Writings (Lorenzo Da Ponte Italian Library) (University of Toronto Press, 2007), Nicoletta Pireddu presents Paolo Mantegazza’s works along with her extensive monographic essay and notes on the reputed renaissance man.