"The contemporary Italian writer Gianni Celati has published work in many different genres, including critical and philosophical essays, fiction, and travel books. Well known in Italy, Celati is growing in popularity with readers in North America and England. This is the first book-length study in any language of his entire production of the last thirty-five years.".

"Nonlinear in approach, this study ranges over a broad landscape of critical thought and creative writing. While analyzing Celati's specific contributions, Rebecca West offers vivid sketches of the many literary and intellectual scenes that have influenced the author's life and writing. She discusses Celati's work in the broad context of contemporary European literary debates, and examines his links to figures such as Italo Calvino, Luigi Ghirri, and American sociolinguists William Labov and Dell Hymes.

Along the way, she poses philosophical questions about the nature of human existence, using Celati's reflections as a guide. She also shares much biographical material about the author and accounts of her own encounters with him."--BOOK JACKET.