Abstract
This essay examines Luigi Baldacci’s final book which brings togethersome of his most important studies on the nineteenth century. Through clearand original prose, the author presents a new view on the italian literary productionof the nineteenth century, which is analyzed as if it were a “progressive andnihilistic” person. The 1800s are observed from a pessimistic, laical and materialisticpoint of view. While presenting some prominent figures, Baldacci’s clevernessstands out especially in his discussions on Leopardi and De Roberto.