The Nonexistent Knight by Italo Calvino
and The Cloven Viscount
The story revolves around Agilulf, a knight who exists only as an empty suit of armor, sustained by the sheer force of his will and adherence to duty. Despite his lack of physical presence, Agilulf is a paragon of chivalric virtues, meticulously following the codes of knighthood. His journey through medieval Europe is marked by encounters with various characters, including the passionate and impulsive Rambaldo, the determined Bradamante, and the enigmatic Gurdulù, who highlight the contrasts between appearance and reality, form and substance. Through these interactions, the narrative explores themes of identity, existence, and the nature of human consciousness, blending whimsical fantasy with philosophical inquiry.
The 4128th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1959
- Nationality
- Italian
- Length
- Very Short
- Pages
- 100-150
- Original Language
- Italian
- Avg User Rating
-
(3.7)
- Alternate Titles
-
- Der Ritter, Den Es Nicht Gab
- El Caballero Inexistente
- Il cavaliere inesistente
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This book is on the following 2 lists:
- 3940th on Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- The 100 Novels That Have Most Enthralled "Le Monde" Since 1944 (Le Monde)