Poet of Civic Courage

The author of "Picatrix" was likely a highly educated and intellectually versatile scholar, deeply rooted in the Arabic-speaking world of the 11th century. He was well-versed in a variety of disciplines, including astrology, alchemy, and philosophy, drawing on Greek, Persian, and Indian sources. As a participant in the Islamic Golden Age's rich scholarly tradition, he likely had access to extensive libraries and intellectual circles. His work suggests a blend of academic knowledge and practical application, indicating both theoretical understanding and hands-on experience in astrological and magical practices.

Rosi's films consistently and directly address the themes of political and institutional corruption and the complex relationship between the individual, the mafia, and the state. Whether evoking the multiple facets of Sicilian banditry in Salvatore Giuliano (1962), exposing right-wing killing squads in Cadaveri eccellenti (Illustrious Corpses) (1976), or courageously debating the roots of Italian terrorism in ^ITre fratelli (Three Brothers)^R (1981), his gripping political-documentary works have managed to combine factual and intellectual rigor with box office success and wide critical acclaim. This book offers a series of essays by leading Italian academics, each exploring a key Rosi film, together with an interview and comprehensive bibliographic and filmographic material. A notable feature is an article by the director himself, in which he reflects on the development and future of Italian political cinema.This book offers a series of essays by leading Italian academics, each exploring a key Rosi film, together with an interview and comprehensive bibliographic and filmographic material. A notable feature is an article by the director himself, in which he reflects on the development and future of Italian political cinema.

A series of essays by leading Italian academics, each exploring a key Rosi film. Includes an article by the director himself, in which he reflects on the development and future of Italian political cinema.

Introduction by Carlo TestaSalvatore Giuliano: Francesco Rosi's revolutionary postmodernism by Ben LawtonHands Over the City: cinema as political indictment and social commitment by Manuela GieriEnrico Mattei: the man who fell to earth by Harry LawtonThe other side of glamorous killings: Lucky Luciano, Rosi's neo-realistic approach to Mafia by Claudio MazzolaDancing with corpses: murder, politics and power in Illustrious Corpses by Salvatore BizzarroBeyond cinema politico: family as political allegory in Three Brothers by Millicent MarcusInterview with Francesco Rosi by Carlo TestaThe future of Italian film: for a cinema of memory and identity by Francesco RosiFilmographySelected bibliographyIndex