Literature: 1906

Carducci, Giosue, pronounced kahr DOOT chee, jaw SWEH (1835-1907), an Italian poet, scholar, and literary critic, won the 1906 Nobel Prize for literature. His verse is variously lyrical, political, and historical. Carducci's poetry shows his political liberalism, and his belief in the ideals of classicism and opposition to romanticism. The poetry was greatly influenced by his familiarity with European literature, especially Greek, Latin, and Italian works. His major collections include New Verses (1887) and Barbarian Odes (1877-1889). His critical works had a strong influence on Italian attitudes toward literature.

Carducci was born in Tuscany. He served as professor of Italian literature at the University of Bologna from 1860 to 1904. In 1890, he was named a senator by the Italian government.

Contributor: Richard H. Lansing, Ph.D., Professor of Italian and Comparative Literature, Brandeis University.