The first interpretations of Michelstaedter (1910-1916)

Abstract

The articles focuses on some of the most relevant and early reflections on Carlo Michelstaedter’s work from the very first years of its publication, as well as on the philosophical implication of his theory of suicide, especially when the scandal of his death in 1910 gave way to a deeper reading of his writings. From the initial “metaphysical suicide” suggested by Giovanni Papini, until the immediate reflections of writers such as Scipio Slataper, Silvio Benco, Emilio Cecchi, Giuseppe Antonio Borgese, Giovanni Amendola o Giannotto Bastianelli, the text shows how Michalstaedter’s philosophy became the subject of a continued, progressive and deeper critical view from 1910 till 1916.