In Italo Calvino's enchanting novel 'The Baron in the Trees', a young nobleman named Cosimo decides to live in the trees of his family's estate, forsaking the ground below for a life among the branches. As he navigates his arboreal existence, he encounters a vivid cast of characters, from eccentric inventors to passionate lovers, all while challenging the conventions of society. Through Cosimo's eyes, readers explore themes of freedom, individuality, and the relationship between nature and civilization. The story beckons with whimsy and philosophical introspection, making one ponder the lengths we go to in pursuit of true autonomy. Can one truly find freedom by climbing higher, or does it come with unforeseen complications?
By Italo Calvino
Published: 2017
""I had to learn to live in the trees as if they were my own heart, and to understand that freedom is not a place but a way of being and seeing.""
"Cosimo di Rondó, a young Italian nobleman of the eighteenth century, rebels against his parents by climbing into the trees and remaining there for the rest of his life. He adapts efficiently to an existence in the forest canopy he hunts, sows crops, plays games with earth-bound friends, fights forest fires, solves engineering problems, and even manages to have love affairs. From his perch in the trees, Cosimo sees the Age of Enlightenment pass by and a new century dawn. Long considered one of Calvino's finest works, The baron in the trees exemplifies this brilliant writer's gift for fantasy."--Page [4] of cover.
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“"I had to learn to live in the trees as if they were my own heart, and to understand that freedom is not a place but a way of being and seeing."”
The Baron in the Trees
By Italo Calvino
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Italo Calvino (1923-1985) was an Italian novelist and short story writer, celebrated for his imaginative storytelling and innovative narrative techniques. His works often blend elements of fantasy, surrealism, and metafiction, challenging traditional notions of reality and fiction. Notable works include 'Invisible Cities,' a poetic exploration of imagination and memory, 'If on a Winter's Night a Traveler,' a groundbreaking novel about the act of reading, and 'The Baron in the Trees,' a whimsical tale about a young nobleman who decides to live in the trees. Calvino's writing style is characterized by clever wordplay, philosophical depth, and a keen awareness of the reader's experience.
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