Paolo Tinti

Maria Gioia Tavoni, «Libri all’antica». Le Edizioni dell’Elefante nel panorama dell’editoria italiana (1964-2022), con il catalogo storico a cura di Federica Rossi, premessa di Alberto Cadioli. Bologna, Pendragon, 2024

Introduction

Maria gioia tavoni, «libri all’antica». Le edizioni dell’elefante nel panorama dell’editoria italiana (1964-2022), con il catalogo storico a cura di federica rossi, premessa di alberto cadioli. Bologna, pendragon, 2024. Scopri la storia delle Edizioni dell’Elefante (1964-2022) nell'editoria italiana, con il catalogo storico curato da Federica Rossi. Analisi di Maria Gioia Tavoni.

Abstract

Review

This review examines Maria Gioia Tavoni's recent monograph, «Libri all’antica». Le Edizioni dell’Elefante nel panorama dell’editoria italiana (1964-2022), published by Pendragon in 2024. Tavoni undertakes a comprehensive historical and critical analysis of Edizioni dell’Elefante, a publishing house that has operated for nearly six decades, positioning its unique output within the broader landscape of Italian publishing. The intriguing title, «Libri all’antica», immediately signals a focus on the aesthetic, production, and perhaps philosophical commitment of this press to traditional or historical book-making practices. The work's strength, even from its title, appears to lie in its detailed examination of a specific cultural enterprise over a substantial period. By tracing the journey of Edizioni dell’Elefante from 1964 to 2022, Tavoni likely provides insights into the evolution of artisanal or quality publishing in Italy, contrasting it with more mainstream or commercial trends. The inclusion of a comprehensive "catalogo storico" meticulously curated by Federica Rossi, along with a preface by Alberto Cadioli, underscores the scholarly rigor and archival depth of this project. This historical catalog will undoubtedly serve as an invaluable bibliographical resource, offering researchers and enthusiasts precise details on the output of this distinctive publisher and providing a crucial backbone to Tavoni's critical narrative. Consequently, this monograph promises to be an essential contribution to the fields of book history, publishing studies, and Italian cultural history. Scholars interested in the materiality of the book, the economics of niche publishing, and the interplay between tradition and modernity in editorial practices will find significant value in Tavoni's work. The deep dive into Edizioni dell’Elefante offers a microcosm through which to understand larger trends in post-war Italian intellectual and artistic life, making it a vital read for anyone seeking to comprehend the nuanced tapestry of European print culture.

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