Cesare Pavese’s epistolary exchange with the Italian American musician and educator Antonio Chiuminatto represents an important chapter in the Piedmontese writer’s development as Italy’s leading Americanist and the pre-eminent translator of his generation.² The correspondence with Chiuminatto offers an eloquent testimony of Pavese’s joy of discovery of America, his fascination with American language, and his insatiable curiosity to learn about American literature. In his first letter to Chiuminatto, Pavese thanks his friend for having initiated him ‘to the mysteries of your language and nation,’ and recalls the passion he felt for ‘American things’ (29 November 1929). And on 5 April...

I hope you will yet remember as great a borer as I was with you during your last Turinese year. I got your adress from Mr Mila, our witty friend who is now contributor in a whole row of musical reviews, has got a scream derby and surtout and walks as an equal together with your lovely Mr Della Corte (!). All the day long they are both in search of a concert, to write about.

By the by, I heard – or, better, read – of your own hit in Green Bay. I’ll tell the world – as you...