Emanuel Carnevali: The Italian Poet Who Wanted to Be American
Emanuel Carnevali (1897-1942) was a 'poète maudit' who turned away from Italian literary traditions in favor of an American identity. Born in Florence, he experienced family strife and was placed in boarding school following his mother's passing in 1908. He emigrated to the United States, landing in New York on April 5, 1914, without any knowledge of English. Carnevali held various low-paying jobs, wed Emilia Valenza in 1917, and formed connections with literary figures such as Max Eastman and Ezra Pound. His first appearance in Poetry Magazine in 1917 showcased his aspiration to be recognized as an American poet. After being afflicted by syphilis, he returned to Italy in 1922. His autobiography, 'Il primo Dio,' was released in 1978, followed by 'Racconti di un uomo che ha fretta e altri scritti' in 2005.
Key facts
- Emanuel Carnevali was born in Florence in 1897 and died in 1942.
- He emigrated to the US in 1914, arriving in New York on April 5.
- He declared his desire to become an American poet in Poetry Magazine in 1917.
- He associated with Max Eastman, Ezra Pound, Robert McAlmon, and William Carlos Williams.
- Sherwood Anderson wrote about him in 'Italian Poet in America' (1941).
- He suffered from syphilis and lethargic encephalitis, forcing his return to Italy in 1922.
- His poems were included in Ezra Pound's anthology 'Profile' (1932).
- His autobiography 'Il primo Dio' was published by Adelphi in 1978.
Entities
Artists
- Emanuel Carnevali
- Max Eastman
- Ezra Pound
- Robert McAlmon
- William Carlos Williams
- Sherwood Anderson
- Gabriel Cacho Millet
- Maria Pia Carnevali
- Tullio Carnevali
- Matilde Piano
- Emilia Valenza
Institutions
- Poetry Magazine
- Adelphi
- Fazi
- Il Resto del Carlino
- Schewiller
Locations
- Florence
- Italy
- Bologna
- Genoa
- New York
- Manhattan
- Bazzano
- United States
- Chicago