CALVINO, Italo. L'entrata in guerra. Turin: Giulio Einaudi editore, 1954. First edition, number 27 of the prestigious 'I Gettoni' series directed by Elio Vittorini. 16mo, grey-blue publisher's wrappers with title printed in red and black, Einaudi publisher's colophon on front cover. Uncut pages (deckle edges). COPY WITH AUTHOR'S AUTOGRAPH INSCRIPTION on the front endpaper: 'to Milena / Calvino / June 54', addressed in all probability to Milena Milani, writer and Italian artist, prominent figure in the Italian cultural milieu of the post-war period. The date of the inscription coincides with the month of publication of the volume, attesting to a contemporary presentation copy. Wear to edges and corners, scattered foxing, overall in good condition. Collection of three autobiographical stories ? 'The Entry into War', 'The Avant-gardists at Menton', 'The Nights of the UNPA' ? set in the summer of 1940, among the most intense works of Calvino's production. Significant document for the history of Einaudi publishing and for the author's biography.

Original wrappers with wear to edges and corners, spine slightly yellowed, scattered foxing on internal leaves, uncut pages (deckle edges), overall solid but with signs of use consistent with age. Author's autograph inscription in blue ink on the front endpaper.