Variantology

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Naples, with its rich history, is often perceived as lacking a future due to its current state. The Biblioteca Nazionale di Napoli, a stunning yet decadent collection of books and manuscripts, served as the venue for the Variantologists' recent congress. This gathering, inspired by vulcanologist Giovanni P. Ricciardi’s introduction to Vesuvian thinking, delved into the city’s deep history and its various media, philosophers, scientists, and scholars. Contributors to this volume include art experts Hans Belting and John Berger, artists Rosa Barba and Peter Blegvad, papyrologist Luciano Canfora, mathematician Chen Cheng-Yih, physicist Otto E. Rössler, and philosopher-artist Elisabeth von Samsonow. Notably, early machine poetry texts by experimental poet Nanni Balestrini make their debut here. The artistic design of this volume was crafted by the renowned Brothers Quay. The diverse list of authors reflects a wide range of disciplines and perspectives, showcasing the vibrant intellectual engagement with Neapolitan culture and thought.