Scrittori

Scrittori is the Italian term for writers—authors of literary works such as novels, poetry, essays, and plays. The word is the plural of scrittore, derived from scrivere, to write, and denotes individuals who engage in creative or critical writing. In everyday Italian, scrittori are distinct from journalists, though some writers work in both fields.

Historically, Italian scrittori have played a central role in shaping the language and national literature. The medieval and Renaissance period produced foundational figures such as Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, and Boccaccio, whose works helped establish Italian as a literary language. In the subsequent centuries, writers such as Carlo Goldoni, Alessandro Manzoni, and Giacomo Leopardi expanded prose and poetry to reflect social change and philosophical concerns. The 20th century brought experimentalists like Luigi Pirandello, Italo Calvino, and Umberto Eco, who explored new forms and ideas. In contemporary times, Italian scrittori continue to publish across genres; notable names include Elena Ferrante and Primo Levi, among others, with works that circulate in Italian and through translation worldwide.

The term scrittori can be used for authors working within Italian-language literature or, less commonly, for non-native writers who write in Italian. The profession often intersects with teaching, publishing, and criticism, and writers may be associated with literary movements, journals, or publishing houses. The work of scrittori contributes to cultural memory, linguistic evolution, and global literary exchange.