Emilio Salgari (1862-1911) is considered one of the key, most famous writers of Italy. The author of more than two hundred stories and novels in the adventure genre, he made a significant contribution to the history of world culture. His fascinating works occupy a place of honor in the treasures of children's and adult libraries. The writers Gabriel Garcia-Marquez, Umberto Eco, Carlos Fuentes, composers Giacomo Puccini and Petro Mascagni, as well as the titan of Italian film director Federico Fellini admired the power of his work.
The youth of the future writer. Inspiration. Marine school
In his youth, Salgari Emilio was incredibly impressed with Thomas Mine-Reed, Gustave Emar and James Fenimore Cooper. Even in those early years, he made a balanced decision that he would become a writer. In addition, in his dreams, the young genius only thought about adventures. Emilio longed to be a strong and confident captain on some ship, so he decided to study at a maritime school in Verona. Unfortunately or fortunately for fans of his literary talent, Emilio was not able to study, so after a short time he left school.
The first literary successes of Salgari. Fame and recognition in the homeland. Myths and legends
In 1883, when he was 21 years old, Salgari Emilio successfully made his debut in the literary field. La Valigia magazine in Milan published the first story of the writer. The next step in literary success was the work of the editor in the weekly La Nuova Arena, in Verona. This edition glorified the story "Papuans", which made Salgari Emilio popular among readers. After that, every year five or more works of the writer were published for public viewing. They made up a whole series of adventures that did not let the reader go to the last page. The books of Salgari became famous in the writer's homeland, in Italy. He was awarded a comparison with Alexander Dumas, Eugene Sue, Jules Verne. The popularity of Salgari obliged the members of the royal family of Italy to get acquainted with Emilio's powerful creative potential. The writer was knighted by King Umberto for special merits in 1897.
The name Salgari Emilio is surrounded by legends and myths. For the most part, they arose on the initiative of the author, because he not only did not stop them, but, on the contrary, created more and more. For example, for some time there was an opinion that in his works, Salgari told readers about his own experience of adventures and visits to Sudan, Ceylon, India, Africa, Nebraska, as well as travel to both earthly poles.
Poverty and turmoil. Death
Despite the fact that Salgari is the author of many famous works that have won the delight of the public to this day, he existed in need and in poverty. His extreme ignorance of the financial aspect and due appreciation of his works played into the hands of unscrupulous publishers who did not miss the chance to fool the unfortunate.
As a result of such a life, family problems and a hungry existence in April 1911 in Turin, Emilio Salgari ripped open his throat and stomach with a razor, taking the Japanese samurai code as an example ...
Creativity of a genius. "Secrets of the black jungle." Film adaptation
The work of Emilio Salgari, a collection of works decorated with the cycles "Sandokan" and "Black Corsair". They deserve careful consideration.
Secrets of the Black Jungle begins the Sandokan cycle. The novel was published in early 1887 under a different name ("The Ganges Stranglers"), as an addition to the Italian magazine Il Telegrafo. And already in 1895, the pearl of adventure literature was published by Antonio Donoto, a Genoese publisher. It was released separately in a version known to contemporaries.
In 1991, the mini-series "Secrets of the Black Jungle" was released, which is based on the novel by Salgari. The officer, his family and the bloodthirsty Raja from the screens were watched by many whose childhood was filled with dreams of distant lands.
The Black Corsair. The novel, continued. Adaptations
The Black Corsair (or, in the Italian original, Il corsaro negro) was published in 1898. The heyday of the pirate trade, the Caribbean ... In the center of action of Emilio Roccaner, nicknamed "Black Corsair", he is also called "Lord of Ventimiglia." His life's work is revenge on the Duke of Van Gulde, Governor of Maracaibo for the death of his blood brothers. As accomplices, he chooses for himself several glorious pirates of that era. Among his gangs are Henry Morgan and Francois Olone. The Roccaner is not going to stop until revenge is realized.
Emilio’s revenge doesn’t end in several Black Corsair novels:
Queen of the Caribbean, published in 1901.
"Yolanda, daughter of the Black Corsair" - 1905.
"Son of the Red Corsair" - 1908.
The novel was so popular that it was embodied several times in cinema. In the 1920s, a series of silent films was released, directed by Vitale Di Stefano. In 1937, Amleto Palermi created a film masterpiece, inviting Ciro Verratti, the Italian champion in fencing, to play the main role. In 1944, Spain began to show the story of the vengeful corsair. Chano Urueta directed a decent adaptation of the work of Salgari. After 32 years, in 1976, Sergio Sollima presented his vision of history to his contemporaries. The format of the series was introduced in 1999 in Italy by Mondo TV. 26 episodes of the animated series "Black Corsair" delight young viewers.
Queen of the Caribbean. Short description
The Queen of the Caribbean (La regina del Caraibi) is a continuation of the storyline described in The Black Corsair. After Van Gould’s escape from Gibraltar, the Black Corsair, teamed up with the pirates Van Stiller, Carmo and Moko, begins his search. In Puerto Principe, he is informed that Van Gould is in Veracruz. He fights with the Spanish soldiers besieging him. Yara, a young Indian woman, is trying to help the pirates, but the Spaniards still manage to injure the Black Corsair. His ship is attacked by two Spanish frigates. Lucky, he escapes from the trap to Veracruz, but does not catch up with Van Gould, who fled to Florida. Assistant Corsair Morgan goes with him in pursuit. Van Gould blows up a warehouse with gunpowder and dies. The corsair was thrown overboard the ship, with his pirates he wanders through the swamps. They are caught by the Indians, whose queen was the daughter of Van Gould. After receiving her forgiveness, the Corsair marries her and swims to Europe.
Finally
Emilio Salgari, the books of his authorship give an unforgettable world of pirates and beauties, the jungle and impossible adventures. So quickly grab a book and run on a treasure hunt!