Invisible Cities

Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, published by Vintage in 1997, is a thought-provoking exploration of urban life and cultural heritage through the lens of imaginative storytelling. In this edition, spanning 165 pages, Marco Polo shares vivid descriptions of fantastical cities with Kublai Khan, revealing deeper insights into a singular city—Venice. The narrative invites readers to reflect on the nature of cities and the human experience within them.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of themes woven throughout the text, including elements of historical and literary significance. Calvino’s work delves into the complexities of city life, blending reality with imagination, and offering a unique perspective on cultural identity. This edition presents a timeless journey that resonates with those interested in world literature and the intricate relationship between place and memory.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘A subtle and beautiful meditation’ Sunday Times
In Invisible Cities Marco Polo conjures up cities of magical times for his host, the Chinese ruler Kublai Khan, but gradually it becomes clear that he is actually describing one city- Venice. As Gore Vidal wrote ‘Of all tasks, describing the contents of a book is the most difficult and in the case of a marvellous invention like Invisible Cities, perfectly irrelevant.’
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