Chapter Two - New Life (1918–1920)

Summary

“Gentilissima signorina,” formally began the first letter that seventeenyear- old Piero Gobetti wrote to Ada Prospero, then sixteen. In the letter, dated September 14, 1918, Piero announced that he had decided to found a student periodical that would “consist of the arts, literature, philosophy, social questions, etc.” and that would “be comprised exclusively of young people.” He wrote to Ada that he audaciously sought to “disturb … the tranquility and final summer repose” of his friends and acquaintances by asking for their assistance with the journal. He had chosen the name Energie Nove for the title, hoping “to awaken the movement of ideas in … tired Turin, promote culture, and encourage study among young people.” Piero used the word italianità—Italian national character, spirit, or feelings— to characterize the theme of some of the articles, which would take their place along with other works of “culture” and “action.” Piero wanted to know whether Ada could provide him with a list of possible subscribers among her friends and acquaintances. He also asked her to send him articles and suggest others who might contribute, essentially inviting her collaboration on the journal.

Ada responded immediately with a list of names, organized by probability of subscribing, and agreed to promote his new journal among her friends. She agreed not only to work with Piero on Energie Nove but also to study and learn together. In his second letter, Piero invited Ada to visit him and offered to show her articles, books, and poems. This initiated an important aspect of their relationship—studying together, discussing what they read, and reviewing articles for publication in Energie Nove. Intellectual companionship blossomed quickly into romance. On October 30, 1918, only six weeks after their correspondence began, Ada and Piero became engaged. In a letter dated September 14, 1919, exactly one year after Piero's initial letter to her, Ada recalled their first days together: “Do you remember? … In a few days friendship became fraternal and then more fraternal yet…. And do you also remember the days of struggle and ardor and the victory that was so dazzling, so strong, so pure?”