Giuseppe Antonio Borgese facts for kids

Giuseppe Antonio Borgese (born November 12, 1882 – died December 4, 1952) was an Italian writer and journalist. He was also a critic who studied books and a Germanist (someone who studies German language and culture). Borgese wrote poetry and plays. He taught at universities and later became an American citizen.

Early Life and Education

Giuseppe Borgese was born in Polizzi Generosa, a town near Palermo in Sicily. His father wanted him to become a lawyer. So, in 1899, Giuseppe started studying law at the University of Palermo.

However, in 1900, he moved to Florence. There, he studied at the Institute of Higher Studies. He learned from famous professors like Girolamo Vitelli and Pasquale Villari. In 1903, he earned his degree in literature from the University of Florence.

Family Life

Giuseppe Borgese first married a writer named Maria Freschi. They had two children: a son named Leonardo (born 1904) and a daughter named Giovanna (born 1911).

Later, after getting a divorce in America, he married Elisabeth Mann. She was the daughter of the famous writer Thomas Mann. Giuseppe and Elisabeth had two daughters together, named Angelica and Dominica.

Career and Exile

In his early career, Borgese helped start several literary magazines. One of these was Hermes (1904). He also worked for major newspapers like Corriere della Sera, La Stampa, and Il Mattino. He also wrote for the Leonardo magazine.

He became a university professor. He taught German literature and aesthetics (the study of beauty and art) at universities in Turin, Rome, and Milan.

In 1931, Italy was under the Fascist regime, a type of strict government. Borgese did not agree with this government. Because of his opposition, he had to leave Italy. He moved to the United States. There, he declared himself a "political exile," meaning he left his country for political reasons. In 1938, he became an American citizen.

Life in America and Return to Italy

In the United States, Borgese continued his academic career. From 1932 to 1935, he was a professor at Smith College. He also taught at the Universities of Chicago and California. During this time, he became good friends with Thomas Mann, whose daughter he later married.

When the Italian-American anti-Fascist group called the Mazzini Society was formed in 1939, Borgese joined it.

After World War II ended, Giuseppe Borgese returned to Milan in 1945. He and his wife worked on an important project. They helped write a plan for a federal world government. This idea was about creating a single government for all countries to promote peace.

Giuseppe Borgese passed away in Fiesole, Italy, in 1952.

Works

See also

In Spanish: Giuseppe Antonio Borgese para niños