I. A. KRYLOV’S FAME AS A CHILDREN’S WRITER IN TWENTIETH–CENTURY ITALY

Abstract

This article investigates the fame of the Russian fabulist Ivan Krylov (1769–1844) in Italy in the 20 th century, with special reference to the collections of fables of that period, which were intended for children. Indeed, the first Krylov’s fables in Italian language had been published in Paris in 1825, but in Italy they were unsuccessful: overall there was little interest in Russian literature and language. Only in the beginning of the following century, when Russian literature, language and culture has already become familiar to most Italian scholars and readers, have Krylov’s fables gained considerable popularity in Italy. As Krylov’s fame in Italy in 20 th century is a relatively little–studied topic, this work briefly presents a list of the Italian versions of Krylov’s fables published in that period. Afterwards, the article particularly focuses on the role played by the Russian fabulist in Italian Children’s literature: the analysis has been carried out with reference to the characteristics identified in some collections for children.

Keywords: Ivan Krylov, fable, translation, Italian language, 20 th century,
children’s literature, Russian literature, reception of Krylov’s fables