Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

Date of Birth: December 23, 1896

Zodiac Sign: Capricorn

Date of Death: July 23, 1957

Biography

Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa was an Italian writer, best known for his only novel, “Il Gattopardo” (The Leopard), which is considered one of the greatest Italian novels of the 20th century. Born into an aristocratic family, he was the Duke of Palma and Prince of Lampedusa. Giuseppe had a keen interest in literature and history from a young age, which was fostered by his well-read mother. After serving in World War I, he lived a relatively quiet life, dedicating much of his time to reading and writing. “Il Gattopardo” was published posthumously in 1958 and won the Strega Prize in 1959. The novel’s success was later cemented by its adaptation into a film directed by Luchino Visconti in 1963.

5 Interesting Facts about Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

1. Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa’s “Il Gattopardo” was initially rejected by two publishers before it was finally accepted by Feltrinelli.

2. The novel “Il Gattopardo” provides a vivid depiction of the changes in Sicilian life and society during the Risorgimento.

3. Lampedusa served in the Italian army during World War I and was taken prisoner by the Austro-Hungarians.

4. He was a voracious reader, with a personal library of over 5,000 books.

5. Lampedusa’s novel was made into a film by Luchino Visconti, starring Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon, and Claudia Cardinale.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa

1. “If we want things to stay as they are, things will have to change.”

2. “We were the Leopards, the Lions; those who will take our place will be the little jackals, the hyenas.”

3. “To understand things one must realize that they are futile.”

4. “Sleep, my dear, sleep; it is only a little while until the dawn.”

5. “The novel is the highest form of human expression.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As an aristocrat, Lampedusa’s wealth was primarily tied to his family’s estates and titles. The exact highest net worth achieved is not well-documented, but his social standing and land ownership would have made him quite wealthy by contemporary standards.