Books for Italian Schools Abroad (1890-1943). Editorial and Bibliographic Profiles

Abstract

The essay reconstructs the entire corpus of books for abroad Italian schools, both primary and secondary. The textbooks were designed, edited and printed, on state (primary schools) or private (secondary schools) impulse, during a period of over half a century of Italian history (1890-1943). This period marks the birth and end of this editorial experience. The typographical and editorial aspects of this book production are studied with particular attention to the fascist texts, in their various editions and re-impressions and material and editorial quality. The essay even reports the changes introduced from time to time in this sort of books, the printers, the circulation and the economic effort both with respect to the individual texts (when known) and as a whole, the fees recognized to publishers, authors and illustrators. The study is based on direct consultation of primary printed sources, contemporary secondary sources, archival sources and specific scientific literature.