Con altri occhi. La letteratura italiana fuori d'Italia (1860-1900)

During the wave of migration to Argentina in the second half of the 19th century, several Italian publishers looked with interest at the book market in the South American Republic. To meet the growing demand from the Argentine public, some publishing houses established significant collaborations with the Italian community in Buenos Aires. This article examines the influence and contributions of four prominent publishers: Angelo Sommaruga, Angelo Bietti, Piero Barbera, and Lorenzo Faleni, who played pivotal roles in shaping the Italian-Argentine cultural landscape. The study situates their activities within the context of relations between the two countries, marked by intense social, political, and economic exchanges, especially during the Centenary of Argentine Independence in 1910. The research employs a dual approach, integrating archival materials with historical insights into the Italian community in Buenos Aires. It identifies Sommaruga and Bietti as key figures who significantly influenced the distribution and reception of Italian literature in Argentina. In contrast, Barbera and Faleni, while less directly involved in publishing, contributed to the intellectual discourse surrounding Italian books, reflecting the evolving market and cultural dynamics. The findings highlight the complexities and distinctive aspects of the Italian book market in Argentina, emphasizing the formation of a unique Italian-Argentine literary identity.