Classic Literature Writer

Join the Discussion Most overrated novel/play? Join the Discussion   Related Resources • Literary Humor • Classic Literature Directory • Centuries in Literature

Vittorio Alfieri was an Italian writer: dramatist and poet. He was one of the leading literary and patriotic figures of modern Italian history.

He was born in Asti, Piedmont on January 16, 1749. He was the son of County Antonio Alfieri and Monica Maillard de Tournon. He was then trained at the Regia Academia, a military academy, of Turin. He was placed in the academy by his uncle after his father's early death. After a short period of service in the Piedmontese army, he left military service for other, more interesting endeavors.

He inherited a considerable fortune at the age of 16, so he set off — travelling all over Europe.

He began his literary career in 1778. Major works include 22 tragedies: "Filippo," "Polinice," "Antignoe," "Virginia," "Agamennon," "Reste," "Rosunde," "Ottavia," "Timoleone," "Merope," "Maria Stuarda," "La Congiura dei Pazzi," "Don Garzia," "Saul," "Agide," "Sofonisba," "Bruto Primo," "Mirra," "Bruto Secondo," "Abele," "Alceste Seconda," and "Antonio e Cleopatra."

His writing inspired the Italian people, working to promote the Italian independence movement Risorgimento.

He died in Florence on October 8, 1803.