Leopardi's Small Moral Works

[alberto_aldrovandi]

Hello, I've read that Mr. Ligotti was influenced by Leopardi's poetry, but what about his philosophical works (Small Moral Works), which are quite funny and, if reduced to the sheer plot, definitely look like cosmic horror tales? Are they known in the Anglo-Saxon world? Is there a decent translation? Has Ligotti ever read them?

Plot example: an Icelander plunges into the inner wastelands of Iceland in search of true Nature, to find out what her real nature is. He founds her, and she reveals to him that she has no nature at all, then proceeds to kill him.

Another one: famous VII century anatomist and embalmer entering alone in his study at night is shocked after surprising all the mummies and skeletons chatting along. They gradually manage to calm him down and explain to him there is nothing to fear about their condition, which is not so much different from his own.

Columbus is on the verge of discovering America (driftwood, birds etc.). He's all excited and rambles about the garden of Eden, new races of immortal men and fantastic beasts and fountains of youth etc. The boatswain (Velazques, maybe) reveals that he's already been to Africa and India and that human beings are the same disappointing wretches everywhere.
Why do you follow me, then? asks Columbus.
I have nothing else to do, answers Velazques.

 

[Mr. Veech]

Hello, I've read that Mr. Ligotti was influenced by Leopardi's poetry, but what about his philosophical works (Small Moral Works), which are quite funny and, if reduced to the sheer plot, definitely look like cosmic horror tales? Are they known in the Anglo-Saxon world? Is there a decent translation? Has Ligotti ever read them?

Plot example: an Icelander plunges into the inner wastelands of Iceland in search of true Nature, to find out what her real nature is. He founds her, and she reveals to him that she has no nature at all, then proceeds to kill him.

Another one: famous VII century anatomist and embalmer entering alone in his study at night is shocked after surprising all the mummies and skeletons chatting along. They gradually manage to calm him down and explain to him there is nothing to fear about their condition, which is not so much different from his own.

Columbus is on the verge of discovering America (driftwood, birds etc.). He's all excited and rambles about the garden of Eden, new races of immortal men and fantastic beasts and fountains of youth etc. The boatswain (Velazques, maybe) reveals that he's already been to Africa and India and that human beings are the same disappointing wretches everywhere.
Why do you follow me, then? asks Columbus.
I have nothing else to do, answers Velazques.

I think Ligotti mentions him in a handful of interviews.

I love my copy of Leopardi's Zibaldone.

 

[bendk]

Hello, I've read that Mr. Ligotti was influenced by Leopardi's poetry, but what about his philosophical works (Small Moral Works), which are quite funny and, if reduced to the sheer plot, definitely look like cosmic horror tales? Are they known in the Anglo-Saxon world? Is there a decent translation? Has Ligotti ever read them?

Plot example: an Icelander plunges into the inner wastelands of Iceland in search of true Nature, to find out what her real nature is. He founds her, and she reveals to him that she has no nature at all, then proceeds to kill him.

Another one: famous VII century anatomist and embalmer entering alone in his study at night is shocked after surprising all the mummies and skeletons chatting along. They gradually manage to calm him down and explain to him there is nothing to fear about their condition, which is not so much different from his own.

Columbus is on the verge of discovering America (driftwood, birds etc.). He's all excited and rambles about the garden of Eden, new races of immortal men and fantastic beasts and fountains of youth etc. The boatswain (Velazques, maybe) reveals that he's already been to Africa and India and that human beings are the same disappointing wretches everywhere.
Why do you follow me, then? asks Columbus.
I have nothing else to do, answers Velazques.

Loved these. If anyone turns up a decent English translation, please post it. Thank you.

 

[ToALonelyPeace]

@bendk: If you can find a copy of "Giacomo Leopardi Selected Prose and Poetry" translated by Iris Origo and John Heath-Stubbs, it has a great introduction on his childhood, selected excerpts from Zibaldone, some of his most famous poems, and eight (?) moral works from The Operette Morali which includes the mummy and Icelander stories above.

If you want a more complete Operette Morali, there is "The Moral Essays" translated by Patrick Creagh. A reviewer on Amazon of another version translated by Giovanni Cecchetti says the one by Creagh is supposed to be the best translation.

I have both, but the first book translates his poetry beautifully and I would recommend that one. I regret not being an Italian to read "The Broom" (also called "The Flower of the Desert" ) in its original.