Incunabola of italian science fiction: masonry, politics, and humour in the «Battello sotto marino» (1839) by Viganò

Abstract

The essay analyses Francesco Viagno’s Battello sotto marino, a novel published in 1839, which contains some elements that forestall fantastic and science fiction. First, the paper provides a biographical sketch that traces the portrait of Francesco Viganò as a prolific novelist and economist. Second, the paper proves that the novel can be understood only by considering the masonic reference and the role model represented by the European Humour. In particular, the article tries to understand how the masterpieces written by Jean Paul, who can be considered the father of modern Humour, have influenced Vigano’s work.