Civiltà. Rivista della Esposizione Universale di Roma - 1940-1941

Civiltà. Magazine of the Universal Exposition of Rome. 1940-1942. 11 issues (all published). Some pages with abrasions caused by page detachment. Small defects and loose binding in a couple of issues.


Civiltà was the official bi-monthly (later quarterly) magazine of the Universal Exposition of Rome (EUR), promoted in the 1930s and scheduled for 1942 but interrupted by the war. It was published by Valentino Bompiani between 1940 and 1941 to celebrate Italian genius, featuring articles on art, architecture, and traditions, with covers by artists such as De Chirico, showcasing vintage advertisements and valuable illustrations. Today, it is sought after for its historical and artistic significance. It covered art, architecture, history, popular traditions, and Italian culture. It hosted contributions from prominent intellectuals like Alvaro, Baldini, and Bontempelli. Renowned for its color illustrated covers (Campigli, De Chirico, Funi) and rich vintage advertising. Published in folio size, with numerous color and black-and-white illustrations. Founded in 1940 as a promotional tool for the EUR, the universal exposition planned for 1942 in Rome. The war prevented the completion of the exposition, but the magazine was published until 1941, covering the first seven issues, with four issues published in 1942 (VIII-XI) missing in some volumes.
The Rome Universal Exposition (EUR), originally E42 (Universal Exposition 1942), was a grand urban and architectural project conceived to celebrate the fascist twenty-year anniversary in 1942, but it was never held due to World War II; today, it is an important district of Rome, symbolizing monumental rationalist architecture and modernity, with iconic buildings such as the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, which reflects the transition from fascist dream to a modern administrative and residential area.