Moravia's writing which I would not have encountered were it not for these elegant new paperback versions of his work is open to the bone. His honest revelations through his all too human characters are poignant, pointed, and penetrating. To any one interested in looking deep inside themeselves and their relationships: I recommend Contempt. Prepare to squirm.

somehow there is a new found celebration for contempt and everything associated with it. a year and a half ago, godard's contempt was finally re-released; a couple of months ago, two new books about casa malaparte allowed us to view the importance of the film's setting, most notably capri and it's culture, but now this new publication of moravia's contempt will allow everyone to view the masterpiece it truly represents.

I came here well equipped to offer my comments on the new editions of two of Moravia's works. I find that the "reviewer" before me has stolen my thunder. I cannot say it any better, but still I cam here to say something so I will. First, I agree with the previous "reviewer" on all counts. I congratulate the publisher for it's honest approach. It's clean, it befits Moravia's honesty. What do I mean? The titles of this book and it's companion piece: Contempt and Boredom. Simple and honest. Previously entitled A Ghost at High Noon and The Empty Canvas the titles never seemed to fit Moravia. These two new editions are ornamented (no not ornamented--wrong word--the illustrations are more) with Pierre Le Tan illustrations perfectly suiting the works. Displayed in the context of a honest classic book design. No gimmicks--just clean, honest work in whole. I've now in the interest of shelf space, done the unthinkable, I've removed the two previous editions of these books from my premises. If you possess them, replace them. These books are a bargain. If you're new to Moravia, do enter with these two books. It is difficult to capture, but Moravia is not as doom and gloom as we all must make him sound. He's honest and it can hurt, but it's worth it.

I read this book twenty years ago. It has served as such a mental reference for me that I intend to read it again. In the past I have done this only with "Crime and Punishment" and "A Movable Feast", so it keeps good company.

Specifically, it is the story of an Italian mother and daughter chased from their town home by WWII. They retreat to less disputed hill territories and face all manner of hardship. What is so memorable is the study of the emotional effects of their dispossession. They struggle to maintain their dignity and civility, but their world has truly been turned upside down.

This book must be purchased as a companion to the better-known, "Contempt." I belive this book is Moravia at his best. "Contempt" is better known only due to the film. One Moravia is not enough. These books are seductively elegant--covers illustrated by Pierre Le-Tan--an award winning classic/clever book design--all housing a literary treasure. A magnificent collection! Literature and art combined.

This book is now available in reprint under the new name "Contempt." Check it out, it is one of the best psychological studies of a relationship you'll ever read.

Moravia had to publish this book by himself with this money after WWII, and immediately this book become one of the most important piece of the afterwar literature. Must be read.

...but it's a great book. Psyconoir with culture, cold blooded slow hearted carachters that sink in their own lifes. Read it, even if you ignore who he is.

Cesaria es una mujer práctica, que conoce sus límites y a quien solo le interesa que sus actividades cotidianas no se perturben. La guerra de Italia con los aliados la tiene sin cuidado, sin embargo cuando se hace inminente que Roma va ha quedar sitiada y los alimentos se agotan en los almacenes, decide que es tiempo de volver a sus raíces, al campo, y refugiarse allí hasta que la guerra pase, al fin y la cabo el run run en las calles es que es cuestión de un par de semanas. Sin embargo, la realidad es otra y han de pasar nueve meses de hacinamiento en una casa de campesinos, en los que todos los referentes bajo los cuales se movía antes de experimentar la guerra, cambiaran de blanco a negro para Cesaria y su hija. Tal vez lo mas impactante es como el autor pone de presente que la bondad cuando se funda unicamente en la inocencia, no es una virtud.

La novela es magnifica, pues a pesar de que no ahorra esfuerzos en hacer sentir al lector lo enajenante que puede ser para el espíritu un estado de perpetua violencia, al mismo tiempo le resalta al lector como la belleza siempre está ante nuestros ojos sin importar las condiciones, solo es cuestión de sintonizarnos con ella.

The Roman Tales are among some of Alberto Moravia's best stories. The prostitutes, commoners, thiefs, and hoodlums in these stories show us a new side of Italy. Not the beautiful, scenic place that we read about in travel articles, but a real Italy, one as real as the streets as New York without all the glamor of Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and the Statue of Liberty. Of course, the glamor is there, Moravia does not try to hide it, just as we couldn't hide or ignore Park Avenue, but he focuses on the way Italy really is, not to a tourist, but to a person that truly lives there. Those who love Moravia - who is considered one of the greatest writers of this century - should read this collection of stories. Try his novels too: The Woman of Rome, Conjugal Love, A Ghost at Noon, et al.

In the introduction to this touching collection of several influential writers, William Weaver illustrates with photographic precision the personalities and circumstances that defined the Rome of the postwar epoch. For anyone interested in contemporary Italian writing, Mr. Weaver's profound insight and vast personal knowledge of both Rome and its writers will be an enlightening experience. No other book offers the reader such a fascinating invitation into the lives and stories that were the lost, open city of postwar Rome.

I found Racconti Romani a delight to read. Each short story has a different theme to explore although they all remain true to the style. To me, the great strength of Moravia's writing is the juxtaposition of reality (most tales take place in poverty stricken post-war Rome) and humour. I defy anyone who has spent any time in Italy not to laugh out loud at the totally believable and yet extreme characters.