TEHRAN-Italo Calvino’s book about his trip to Iran five decades ago has been released in the bookstores across the country.

Translated by Gholamreza Emami, the book titled “Iran,” has been published by Raybod Publications, ISNA reported.

Calvino (1923-1985), one of the most well-known modern Italian writers, was a curious writer who was fascinated by different cultures, which compelled him to visit Iran in 1975. He admired the charms of Persia's civilization after visiting particular cities like Shiraz, Isfahan, and Yazd.

He traveled to Iran when Italian television was set to produce a documentary about ancient Iran in cooperation with Iranian television. Calvino, a passionate traveler who wrote about his journeys, was selected to travel to Iran with Italian critic and intellectual Pietro Citati.

Over the course of their two-month trip, the duo traveled to various cities, exploring their historical and cultural features. Although the project was never completed, Calvino documented his trip to Iran in one of his books.

Born in Cuba, Calvino spent his early years in Italy and later moved to Turin after World War II. He began his writing career as an editor for a publishing house before venturing into writing himself.

Calvino's writing career spanned over four decades, during which he wrote a vast range of books that placed him among the most celebrated writers of his time. His works explore themes such as the nature of language, the creative process, and the complexities of human existence.

Calvino is widely known for his collection of tiny stories, “Cosmicomics”. Considered a masterpiece of Italian literature, the book blends scientific fact and fiction, exploring the origins of the universe and the evolution of human society. Other notable works include “If on a Winter's Night a Traveler,” “The Baron in the Trees,” and “Invisible Cities”.

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