Vibrant Correspondence Between Elena and Camilla Unveiled
Elena Croce, a renowned Italian intellectual and the eldest daughter of Benedetto Croce, left a lasting impact on the cultural and political landscape of her country. Born in 1915, Croce passed away in 1994, but her legacy continues to resonate, particularly in her correspondence with fellow intellectual Camilla Salvago Raggi.
Their friendship, which began in December 1967, was marked by mutual admiration, encouragement, and free judgment. The correspondence, presented in the volume 'Scrivimi', consisted of almost 230 writings, including notes and postcards, and continued until two years before Croce's death.
Croce was a tenacious environmentalist, essayist, and translator, and her tireless action against environmental devastation was driven by the awareness of 'emptying the sea with a thimble' and the conviction that 'only with these thimbles can something be done.' This conviction led her to found Italia Nostra, an organization focused on environmental protection.
In the realm of literature, Croce advocated for Argentine writer Renata Danghi Halperin, helping her find a publisher. She also supported the work of Camilla Salvago Raggi, a Ligurian writer and translator who published her book 'Before the Fire' in 1992 with Longanesi. Raggi updated Croce on her progress in writing about her own childhood and family roots, and shared details of her travels.
Raggi, who passed away in 2022, was connected to other prominent intellectuals who contributed to the magazine 'Settanta', collaborating within a network of influential cultural figures in Italy. Croce, too, was editor-in-chief of this cultural, political, and economic magazine, where she led battles, wrote reviews, solicited interventions, and recruited new contributors.
Stefano Verdino, the curator, admires Croce's mental dynamism but notes that Raggi cannot move 'on the vast intellectual multifaceted plane of Elena.' This observation underscores the depth and breadth of Croce's intellectual pursuits.
Croce's correspondence with Raggi was not just about literature and intellectual discourse. They always ended their letters with 'write soon' or renewing an invitation to meet, sealing their sincere friendship. In her last letter, dated April 26, 1992, Croce bids farewell to Raggi, expressing gratitude for her book 'Before the Fire' and hoping to see her despite her poor agility.
Today, Croce's hope that Raggi's example can somewhat stir the current literary devitalization remains relevant. Her tenacious spirit and unwavering commitment to environmental protection continue to inspire, serving as a reminder that even small actions can make a significant difference.
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