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Historical Fiction· Italy

The Leopard

by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1958Italian
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About This Book

The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa is a landmark work of historical fiction, first published in 1958. A poignant reflection on the decline of the Sicilian aristocracy during the Risorgimento, 'The Leopard' is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Lampedusa's only novel, it is lauded for its rich narrative style and profound exploration of change and decay, capturing the essence of a fading era with elegance and depth. Themes of aristocracy and decline, change and transformation, history and memory run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorGiuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Published1958
Country of Origin🇮🇹 Italy
LanguageItalian
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780679731214
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇮🇹 Italy

This book is part of Italy's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

The Leopard masterfully captures the decline of the Sicilian aristocracy during the Risorgimento through its protagonist, Prince Fabrizio Salina, who grapples with the inevitable changes in his world. Lampedusa’s lush, evocative prose intertwines themes of transformation and nostalgia, illustrating the tension between tradition and modernity. The novel's intricate character studies and historical context provide a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of power, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of Italian literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

TIME 100 Best Novels
list · global
20050
✍️
About the Author
Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa
Italy
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Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa is a Italy author whose work in historical fiction has earned recognition from readers and critics alike.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Leopard about?

A poignant reflection on the decline of the Sicilian aristocracy during the Risorgimento, 'The Leopard' is a masterpiece of historical fiction. Lampedusa's only novel, it is lauded for its rich narrative style and profound exploration of change and decay, capturing the essence of a fading era with elegance and depth.

Who wrote The Leopard?

The Leopard was written by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, from Italy. First published in 1958.

What awards has The Leopard won?

The Leopard has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Leopard worth reading?

The Leopard is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in aristocracy and decline, change and transformation, history and memory.

Where can I buy The Leopard?

You can buy The Leopard on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Leopard?

The Leopard is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is The Leopard from?

The Leopard originates from Italy's literary tradition. Explore more books from Italy on our country page.

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