Science and Literature in Italian Culture

This collection of original essays by leading specialists from Britain, North America and Italy explores the relationship between literature and science in Italian culture. Encompassing a variety of authors and topics across four broad periods - medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment to Positivism, and Twentieth Century - the volume presents previously unexplored connections between the discourses of literature and science, and offers a variety of new critical readings. Topics considered include the nature, scope and significance of science in the literary output of major figures; the relationship between specific genres and scientific and philosophical contexts; and the reception and transmission of science in literary texts and of literature in scientific works.