The sixteen short stories in this anthology demonstrate the scope of the modern Italian narrative between 1930 and 1960. To this end, the collection contains writings by both established writers, such as moravia, Vittorini, Pavese and Pasolini, as well as by lesser-known figures such as Santucci and Daví.

The anthology aims to provide sixth-form and university students of Italian with high-quality and stimulating reading material, representing a range of styles and themes. The Italian text is accompanied by a comprehensive critical introduction in English and notes to clarify difficult points of language and style and to explain cultural and topographical allusions. An extensive vocabulary supports the reading and suggestions for further reading are offered.