Luigi Pirandello

Luigi Pirandello was an Italian dramatist, novelist, poet, and short story writer awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1934 for his bold and brilliant renovation of the drama and the stage.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. One, No One and One Hundred Thousand

    The book tells the story of a man who has his identity shattered when his wife casually notes that his nose tilts to the right, something he had never noticed before. This seemingly insignificant comment leads him into an obsessive quest to understand how he is perceived by others, and he gradually loses his sense of self as he fragments into a multitude of characters. The protagonist's existential crisis intensifies as he realizes that everyone he meets perceives him differently, leading him to question his own existence and ultimately, his sanity.

    The 1332nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Six Characters in Search of an Author

    A Comedy in the Making

    In this metatheatrical play, six characters come to life and demand that a theater director tell their tragic story, which was left incomplete by their author. As the director and his actors interact with these characters, the boundaries between fiction and reality blur, leading to a philosophical exploration of the nature of human identity, the reliability of art, and the unreliability of perception. The characters' story, involving a complex web of familial relationships, adultery, and suicide, further complicates the narrative, challenging the audience's understanding of truth and illusion.

    The 1386th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Late Mattia Pascal

    The Late Mattia Pascal (Italian: Il fu Mattia Pascal [il ˈfu mmatˈtiːa paˈskal]) is a 1904 novel by Luigi Pirandello. It is one of his best-known works and was his first major treatment of the theme of the mask.

    The 1525th Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Old And The Young

    Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Sicily, this novel intricately weaves the lives of two generations grappling with the tumultuous changes brought by political upheaval and societal transformation. The narrative delves into the contrasting perspectives of the older, more traditional generation and the younger, progressive individuals eager for reform. Through a rich tapestry of personal and political conflicts, the story explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the inevitable clash between the old and the new, painting a vivid picture of a society in transition.

    The 5780th Greatest Book of All Time
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  5. 5. Stories For A Year

    This collection of short stories offers a vivid tapestry of human experiences, exploring the complexities of identity, reality, and the human psyche. Each tale delves into the intricacies of everyday life, revealing the underlying tensions and contradictions that define human existence. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, the stories capture moments of irony, humor, and profound insight, inviting readers to reflect on the blurred lines between illusion and truth. The narratives are rich with emotion and philosophical depth, providing a compelling exploration of the human condition.

    The 5780th Greatest Book of All Time
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  6. 6. Naked Masks

    Five Plays

    "Naked Masks" is a collection of five plays that delve into the complexities of human identity and the conflict between one's inner self and the roles imposed by society. The plays explore themes of madness, illusion, and existential uncertainty, often through characters who are caught in the tension between appearance and reality. The author uses the metaphor of the mask to represent the personas that individuals adopt in public, while questioning the nature of truth and the possibility of truly understanding oneself or others. The plays challenge audiences to consider the fluidity of identity and the performative aspects of everyday life.

    The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. Henry Iv

    A Comedy in Three Acts

    In this novel, the protagonist is a man who, after an accident during a historical pageant, comes to believe himself to be the medieval German emperor Henry IV. For twenty years, he lives in a villa with attendants who indulge his delusion. The story delves into themes of madness, reality, and illusion as characters from his past attempt to cure him, leading to a complex examination of the nature of sanity and the role that personal mythologies play in our lives. As the line between the protagonist's delusion and the reality of those around him blurs, the narrative raises profound questions about the nature of identity and the masks people wear in society.

    The 14867th Greatest Book of All Time
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