"Invisible Cities" and the Urban Imagination

This collection celebrates the enduring impact of Invisible Cities, exploring its relevance to urban life and imagination fifty years after its publication.

In 1972, Italo Calvino published Invisible Cities, a remarkable literary work that intricately weaves together elements of philosophy, poetry, and urban theory. This text serves as a profound meditation on the complexities of urban life, making it a significant point of reference not only for literary scholars but also for social scientists, architects, and urban planners. The fusion of structured narrative and free-form exploration in Invisible Cities invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of the city, blending theoretical insights with captivating prose.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Invisible Cities, this collection of essays emerges as both a tribute and a critical examination of Calvino's enduring influence. Contributors from various disciplines and geographical backgrounds engage with the text, exploring its theoretical, pedagogical, and political implications. Each essay approaches Invisible Cities as more than just a novel; it is viewed as a work of evocative ethnography and place-writing, enriching our understanding of urban environments and the human experience within them.

As we reflect on the legacy of Calvino’s dreamlike narrative, the essays in this volume challenge us to consider what insights Invisible Cities can provide to contemporary scholars and practitioners. Fifty years later, the book continues to inspire discussions about urban life and imagination, offering valuable perspectives for those invested in understanding and shaping our cities today.