Pasolini’s Lasting Impressions

Death, Eros, and Literary Enterprise in the Opus of Pier Paolo Pasolini

Ryan Calabretta-Sajder editor

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Fairleigh Dickinson University Press

Published:15th May '20

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Pasolini’s Lasting Impressions cover

Noted as a ‘civil poet’ by Alberto Moravia, Pier Paolo Pasolini was a creative and philosophical genius whose works challenged generations of Western Europeans and Americans to reconsider not only issues regarding the self, but also various social concerns. Pasolini’s works touched and continues to inspire students, scholars, and intellectuals alike to question the status quo. This collection of thirteen articles and two interviews evidences the on-going discourse around Pasolini’s lasting impressions on the new generation.

Pasolini’s Lasting Impressions: Death, Eros and Literary Enterprise in the Opus of Pier Paolo Pasolini thus explores the civic poet’s oeuvre in four parts: poetry, theatre, film, and culture. Although the collection does not include every genre in which Pasolini wrote, it addresses many, some which often receive little or no attention, particularly in Italian Studies of North America. The underlining theme of the book, ‘death, eros and literary enterprise’ intertwines these genres in a rather unique way, allowing for inter-disciplinary interpretations to Pasolini’s rich opus.

The edited volume concludes with two artists, Dacia Maraini and Ominio71’s reflections on Pasolini in the 21st century. In fact, the cover represents a recent work on Ominio71 underscoring Pasolini’s visual presence still within the Roman walls. In conclusion, this collection demonstrates how his works still influence contemporary Italian society and motivate intellectual dialogue through new theoretical outlooks on Pasolini’s oeuvre.

If only for the breathtakingly magisterial essay by Millicent Marcus on Pasolini's long-misunderstood concept of "the cinema of poetry," or Van Watson's virtuostic take on the clash in both life and art between Pasolini's narcissistic eros and sacrificial death wish, this volume would have more than repaid the price of admission. But it contains much, much more: many additional new and quite original readings of Pasolini's poetry, theater, cinema, and civic engagement, gathered together with admirable passion and care by editor Ryan Calabretta-Sajder There are many gems herein, including interviews with the Roman street artist Omino71 and the grande dame of Italian letters Dacia Maraini, who knew and loved the irreplaceable Pasolini, as we go on trying to know his work but love it effortlessly and for good. -- Rebecca West, William R. Kenan, Jr. Distinguished Service Professor (Emerita), The University of Chicago, Dept. of Romance Langs. and Lits., Dept. of Cinema and Media Studies
Pasolini’s Lasting Impressions is a compelling collection that revisits Pasolini’s work in different genres to connect his 20th century impegno with contemporary sociocultural concerns. Calabretta-Sajder gathers the voices of experts and newcomers to Pasolini studies to offer a fresh comprehensive perspective on the author’s ideological impetus and artistic message. -- Colleen Ryan, Professor of Italian, Indiana University Bloomington
Pasolini’s Lasting Impressions captures the complexity of the Pasolini legacy four decades after his death and makes a compelling case for continued research into his many and varied artistic endeavors. Featuring exciting contributions by renowned scholars alongside new voices from three continents, the collection covers the genres represented in Pasolini’s oeuvre—poetry, cinema, theater, and fiction—and shows that his cultural influence extends well into the 21st century. Ryan Calabretta-Sajder’s exhaustive yet agile volume adds a fresh chapter to the remarkable body of scholarship on Pasolini. -- Simona Bondavalli, Associate Professor of Italian, Vassar College

ISBN: 9781683930204

Dimensions: 219mm x 154mm x 20mm

Weight: 399g

266 pages