Tolkien fans in Italy were on Friday
gearing up to mark the 50th anniversary of the death of the
famed British fantasy author also considered a foundational
writer by the Italian political right.
The commemorations for the anniversary on September 2 include
the release of new editions of Tolkien's works, a programme of
events, and an exhibition in Rome, announced to applause by
Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano at an event organised by
the youth wing of Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing Brothers
of Italy (FdI) party in July.
Indeed, as a young militant in the post-Fascist Italian Social
Movement, Meloni is said to have revered 'The Lord of the
Rings', its prequel 'The Hobbit' and other works by the South
Africa-born British writer whose views on race, nationalism,
globalization and modernity have been the subject of much
scholarly debate.
However, Tolkien is also adored by many on the left, including
the outspoken novelist, playwright and journalist Michela Murgia
who died in Rome last month aged 51.
Events on Saturday, organised by the Italian association of
Tolkien studies, include a reading from his works in Dozza and
an event titled 'A journey through the landscapes in the life of
J.R.R. Tolkien in Lucca.
However, the real wait is on for the exhibition 'J.R.R. Tolkien
1973-2023 Man-Professor-Author', curated by Alessandro Nicosia
and Oronzo Cilli, a member of the British Tolkien Society and
president of the equivalent association in Italy, which opens on
November 14 at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome.
Sponsored by the culture ministry, the exhibit brings together
over 150 works, including photographs, documents, films, virtual
reconstructions, first editions of Tolkien's books, comics,
cartoon animations and games dedicated to the prolific author.
Bompiani, Tolkien's publisher in Italy, has also released a new
translation of 'the Lord of The Rings' in a single volume for
the anniversary.
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