Educated at the University of Rome and Bonn University, where he received his doctorate in linguistics, Pirandello produced his first novel, The Outcast, in 1893. In 1894, he wed Antonietta Portulano, who subsequently suffered a mental breakdown which influenced much of Pirandello's later writings. In 1904, he published The Late Mattia Pascal, which won critical acclaim and is undoubtedly one of his best works. In 1916, he began to write for the theatre and over the following years produced numerous plays. His best works during these years were As Before, Better Than Before (1920), Six Characters in Search of an Author (1921), Henry IV (1921) and Naked (1922). By the early 1920's, Pirandello had caught the eye of Mussolini, who publicly supported him and helped to increase his popularity. He toured the world in promoting his plays and was extremely successful. In 1934, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He wrote hundreds of short stories, about 40 plays, some novels and some verse and translations. Among his other best-known works are Loves Without Love (1894 - Amori Senz Amore), The Merry-Go-Round of Love (1902 - Il Turno), On Humor (1908 - L'Umorismo), At The Gate (1916 - All'uscita), Cap and Bells (1917 - Il Berrette a Sonagli), All For The Best (1920 - Tutto Per Bene), Diana and Tuda (1926 - Diana e la Tuda), The New Colony (1928 - La Nuova Colonia), As You Desire Me (1931), The Naked Truth (1934) and Better Think Twice About It (1934). |
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