The publishing house Giulio Einaudi Editore commenced operations on 15 November 1933 from a third-floor office located at Via Arcivescovado 7 in Turin. This enterprise would eventually establish itself as a central hub for intellectual discourse, political theory, and fine literature throughout Italy, operating under the direction of its founder for over six decades.
Early Influences and Education
Born in 1912 in Dogliani, Giulio Einaudi was the son of Ida, born Countess Pellegrini, and Luigi Einaudi, who later served as the second president of the Italian Republic. His academic formation took place at the Liceo Classico Massimo D'Azeglio, where he studied under the guidance of the anti-fascist educator Augusto Monti. He subsequently pursued his studies at the University of Turin.
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The company founded by Einaudi maintained a significant influence on Italian cultural life, publishing works by writers such as Cesare Pavese, Natalia Ginzburg, Italo Calvino, Norberto Bobbio, Carlo Levi, and Primo Levi. Beyond national literature, the house gained international attention in 1957 by publishing Boris Pasternak’s novel Dr. Zhivago during a period when the text remained prohibited in the Soviet Union.
International Relations and Journalism
Beyond his work as a book publisher, Einaudi engaged in journalism and political commentary. In 1964, he secured an interview with Soviet leader Nikita S. Khrushchev, which served as one of the earliest Western perspectives on the post-Stalinist policy directions of the Soviet Union. Einaudi later obtained the rights to publish a volume authored by Khrushchev, despite his own publicly stated opposition to the creation of NATO.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1994, the publishing entity founded by Einaudi was acquired by Mondadori, a conglomerate then controlled by Silvio Berlusconi. Einaudi continued his professional activities for 64 years before entering retirement on 4 September 1997 at the age of 85. He received professional recognition including the Serena Medal in 1981 and was named a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1995. He died in 1999 at the age of 87 in Magliano Sabina.
Fast facts
- Born: 1912, Dogliani
- Died: 1999, Magliano Sabina
- Education: Liceo Classico Massimo D'Azeglio, University of Turin
- Founded Giulio Einaudi Editore: 15 November 1933
- Serena Medal recipient: 1981
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit: 1995
- Retirement date: 4 September 1997
Questions readers ask
What was the significance of Einaudi's 1957 publishing choice?
He published Boris Pasternak's novel Dr. Zhivago while the book was officially banned in the Soviet Union.
What happened to the publishing house in 1994?
The company was taken over by Mondadori, a publishing conglomerate led by Silvio Berlusconi.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic — 1995
- Serena Medal — 1981
- Educated at Liceo Classico Massimo D'Azeglio and University of Turin
