Writer of action adventure swashbucklers and a pioneer of science fiction in Italy, Emilio Salgari was born in Verona on August 21, 1862, to a family of modest merchants.

When his dream to captain his own vessel and explore the world was shattered by poor marks at a naval institute in Venice, he turned his passion for exploration and discovery to writing. Though Mr. Salgari wrote more than a hundred adventures set in distant and exotic lands, he only managed to sail the seas once — a short cruise along the shores of the Adriatic.

Sandokan (La Tigre della Malesia) first appeared in serial form in the La Nuova Arena in 1883 and 1884. The novel brought fame but very little financial success. A gifted imagination and abysmal financial skill would remain constants in his life.

In 1892 he married Ida Peruzzi, an actress, with whom he had four children. Offered a contract by the Speirani publishing house, the family moved to Turin where Mr. Salgari wrote around 30 works between 1892 and 1898. In 1897, King Umberto of Italy bestowed him with the title of "Chevalier of the Crown." In 1898 the family moved once again, this time to Genoa, to work with the publisher Anthony Donath.

Despite his popularity and the success of his works, his poor business skills prevented him from obtaining any kind of financial stability. His wife had gone insane during the course of their marriage and caring for her drove him further into debt. Overwhelmed by creditors and family misfortunes, he committed suicide in Turin, on April 25, 1911. In one last act, drawn from his vast research and imagination, he slit his throat and abdomen, imitating the ceremonial suicide of the Japanese samurai. He left behind two letters — one addressed to his children and another, dripping with contempt, to his publishers, whom he asked to pay for the cost of his funeral.

All in all, he wrote more than two hundred adventure stories and novels, many of which are considered to be classics for both adults and young readers. Set in exotic locations, with heroes from a wide variety of cultures, Mr. Salgari used his powerful imagination to bring the wonders of the world to the doorstep of generations of readers. Though unknown to the English-speaking world, his works have been translated into seven languages and twenty-six of his novels can be found in the U.S. Library of Congress.

ROH Press is currently making Salgari's works available in English for the first time. Any comments or suggestions can be sent to them at info@rohpress.com.
 
 

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