(Non è una recensione, sono commenti sparsi)

Il visconte dimezzato: sono sicura di aver letto più volte i primi due capitoli, forse nei libri di scuola, chissà. Il finale era scontato dall'inizio, ma è quello giusto per questo tipo di storia.

Il barone rampante: non pensavo, ma questa storia mi ha fatto proprio bene al cuore. Che meraviglia la caparbietà di Cosimo, che meraviglia il modo in cui è descritto l'innamoramento e il gioco d'amore.

Il cavaliere inesistente: questo lo avevo letto a scuola, ma già una settimana dopo non ne ricordavo nulla perché l'avevo letto con troppa fretta. E forse, senza aver studiato Ariosto e Calvino, non l'avevo nemmeno capito. Adesso l'ho apprezzato, chissà se ai miei studenti è piaciuto.

Chapeau alla nota finale del 1960 di Calvino. Suggerire il senso da trarre da queste letture ma permettere altre interpretazioni è ciò che mi auguro di riuscire a fare nella mia vita come insegnante.

Il visconte dimezzato: 3.5⭐
Il barone rampante: 4⭐
Il cavaliere inesistente: 3⭐

Bu kadar ilginç zekice yazılmış olan 3 hikayeyi de severek okudum. Oldukça absurd ama bir o kadarda güldüren harika bir kurguyla yazılmış. Açıkcası bu kadar iyi olacağını düşünmemiştim.

I read this book after a positive review by both a friend and Salman Rushdie (in 'Imaginary homeland').

The cloven viscount was not really my thing, i liked the style in wich it was written (the opening scène made me think of some of Durer's etchings), but i found the main theme of a viscount trying to find self-completeness after finding himself torn in two conflicting halves a bit rigid.

In 'the Baron in the trees' and in 'the non-existent knight' Calvino's style had become more colourful and spontaneous. I read 'the baron in the trees' as an adventure story about forming an own 'self' by rebelling against what is expected and also about the difficulties which flow from making your own, critical decisions.
'The non-existent knight was my favourite, a parody and critique on medieval knightly stories used as a way to question what it means to exist.
In the nonsense-ical story different personages exemplify different radical types of existing, from the imitative prehistorical Goerdoeloeloe (dutch version) to the non-existent knight (who exists only because of his adherence to a codified and objectivised reality) and who both fade out of the story in favour of the more mature and humane personae of Rombaud and Bradamante.

Είναι τρία βιβλία: ο διχοτομημένος υποκόμης, ο αναρριχώμενος βαρώνος και ο ανύπαρκτος ιππότης. Και τα τρία θαυμάσια, ειδικά το δεύτερο ήταν, ήταν, ήταν φανταστικό! Τρεις ιστορίες της εποχής του Μεσαίωνα και μέχρι τη Γαλλική επανάσταση, αντιθέσεις, εναλλασσόμενες φόρμες, απίστευτη ροή του λόγου, τι τέχνη! Δεν είναι ιστορικά μυθιστορήματα, δεν τα μπουκώνει με πληροφορίες εγκυκλοπαιδικής φύσης, τεράστιος συγγραφέας.

Στο τέλος υπάρχει ένα επίμετρο του ίδιου του Ίταλο Καλβίνο που εξηγεί το πως και το γιατί του κάθε βιβλίου.

I often used to think that the postmodernist Calvino is the one with the magic ink. But This book has performed a certain metamorphosis on my thoughts. To be honest, Cosmicomics and this book together establishes Calvino as the invincible fabulist. I cannot remember a writer of modern era telling such deceptively simple tales to mystify generations of fable-readers.

Cykl Nasi przodkowie Italo Calvina to literacka perełka, na którą składają się trzy niezwykłe opowiadania: Wicehrabia przepołowiony, Baron drzewołaz i Rycerz nieistniejący.

To prawdziwa uczta — metafizyczno-alegoryczne historie, w których wyraźnie czuć genialną, nieograniczoną wyobraźnię Calvina. Każde z opowiadań to nie tylko opowieść z przesłaniem, ale też filozoficzna podróż przez ludzką naturę, tożsamość i sposób bycia w świecie.

Dla mnie to jedne z najwspanialszych książek, do których mogę wracać bez końca. Z całego serca polecam!

Our Ancestors by Italo Calvino is a literary gem, consisting of three extraordinary stories: The Cloven Viscount, The Baron in the Trees, and The Nonexistent Knight.

It’s a true feast — metaphysical and allegorical tales where Calvino’s genius, limitless imagination is palpable. Each story is not only a narrative with a message but also a philosophical journey through human nature, identity, and the way of being in the world.

For me, these are some of the most magnificent books that I can return to endlessly. I wholeheartedly recommend them!

Loved all three stories, read a few books by Calvino and like his style. His tales are full of amazing characters such as the knight who isn't there, the baron who lives in the trees and a group of spanish exiles.

Bu üçleme Terra Nostra sonrasında ihtiyaç duyduğum zihin dinlendirmesinde bana sığınak olmuştu. Zira nasıl tarif edeceğimi bilemediğim şekilde, oldukça karşıt durum ya da konuların üzerine kurgulanan, baktığınızda hiçbir inandırıcılığı olmayan hatta mantık dışı görünmesine karşın aslında ne kadar almak isterseniz o kadarını sunan yetişkinlere yönelik olsa da her yaşı kapsayabilen peri masallarıyla karşı karşıyasınız. Gerçekliğin kurallarından tamamen kopuk görünen “atalarımız”ın dünyasında, aslında her şey kimlik kavramına, insanın ruhunda taşıdığı ve yetersizlik- zayıflık gibi gördüğü her karşıtlıkla aslında tam bir insan olmasına, dışlanmayı göze alarak toplumsal kurallara-geleneklere baş kaldırabilme gücüne ya da çağdaş bireyin rasyonelliğine, var olma durumuna özetle çağdaş insan ve topluma dair çokça alegorik mesaja çıkıyor aslında.

Bu arada sizi çok yormayan daha kolay okunan kitaplar olmasına karşın Calvino’nun alıştığınız şiirsel anlatımından çok uzaklaşmadığını ancak özellikle de birinci ve üçüncü kitapta daha çok masal anlatımına evrildiğini söyleyebilirim. Açıkcası Calvino’dan masal dinlemek muazzam bir deneyim olduğundan bu değişim beni rahatsız etmedi. Son olarak Atalarımız ile bu üç ayrı edisyon arasında çok bariz farklılıklar olmasa da çizimlerle birlikte bazı durumlarda kelime tercihleri ile ifadenin yumuşatılması ve böylece olayın alt anlama saklanması gibi hafif müdahaleler var elbette. Dokuz yaşındaki bir çocuğun da bir yetişkinin de okuduğunda farklı bir şeyler bulup tatmin olmasını sağlayan da -alegorik anlatımla birlikte- bu zaten. Özetle sakin ve rahat okunan ama yine de size bir şeyler verecek ya da çocuğunuzla-yeğeninizle vs. ortak bir şeyler okuyup onu da Calvino ile tanıştırmak istiyorsanız şahane bir seçim olacaktır.

Italo Calvino's "Our Ancestors," a trilogy comprising "The Cloven Viscount," "The Baron in the Trees," and "The Nonexistent Knight," is a shining example of the author's imaginative prowess and narrative ingenuity. This collection is a testament to Calvino's unique ability to blend fantasy, satire, and philosophical insight, making it thoroughly deserving of a five-star rating.

Each tale in the trilogy is a marvel in its own right. "The Cloven Viscount" tells the story of a viscount bisected in battle who survives as two separate halves, embodying good and evil. This allegorical tale delves into the dual nature of humanity and the philosophical underpinnings of our moral choices.

"The Baron in the Trees" is a whimsical yet profound narrative of a young nobleman who, in a moment of rebellion, decides to live the rest of his life in the trees and never set foot on the ground again. This story is a beautiful meditation on freedom, individuality, and the relationship between humans and nature.

"The Nonexistent Knight," the final story, is a satirical account of a knight who, despite being a suit of armor devoid of a human body, is the embodiment of honor and chivalry. This tale whimsically explores themes of identity, existence, and the meaning of being.

Calvino's prose is delightful, combining clarity and lyrical elegance. His ability to construct fantastical worlds that reflect on very real human experiences is nothing short of masterful. He infuses each story with humor, wit, and a deep sense of humanity, making them as thought-provoking as they are entertaining.

One of the most compelling aspects of "Our Ancestors" is Calvino's exploration of complex philosophical and existential themes through seemingly simple fables. The trilogy is imbued with a sense of timeless wisdom, as Calvino dissects the intricacies of human nature and society with a light yet piercing touch.

The diversity of themes and the richness of imagination in each of the three tales provide a varied and satisfying reading experience. Whether it's the exploration of the self and duality, a rebellion against societal norms, or a humorous take on existentialism, Calvino's narratives are both accessible and deeply resonant.

In conclusion, "Our Ancestors" is a testament to Italo Calvino's standing as one of the most innovative and imaginative writers of the 20th century. This collection blends fantasy with deep philosophical insight, creating stories that are as meaningful as they are enjoyable. For its creative brilliance, narrative depth, and enduring appeal, this trilogy undoubtedly merits a five-star rating.

Не са това моите препечени филийки, макар и намазани обилно с пастет от плъши черен дроб!

Прочетох изцяло само първата новела - "Разполовеният виконт", давам ѝ 2*. Добре започна историята, но по някое време изгуби посока и смисъл…

Много мразя да се давя в много, макар и красиво нанизани думи, та стилът на Калвино определено не е за мен. Книгата респективно остава недочетена.

A collection of three of Calvino's mid-career books, I Nostri Antenati is a masterpiece. I think "The Baron in the Tress" is one of the best stories Calvino wrote, and since I wrote my Master's disseration on him, I'm not shy in saying I think he was one of the twentieth century's greatest minds. All three stories, but particuarly "Baron" are funny, intelligent, moving, inventive and unforgettable. Don't you wish someone would say that about what you've written?