Roberto Saviano

Roberto Saviano (Italian: [roˈbɛrto saˈvjano]; born September 22, 1979) is an Italian writer and journalist.

In his writings, articles, television programs, and books he employs prose and news-reporting style to narrate the story of the Camorra (a powerful Neapolitan mafia-like organization), exposing its territory and business connections.

Since 2006, following the publication of his bestselling book Gomorrah (Gomorra in Italian), where he describes the clandestine particulars of the Camorra business, Saviano has been threatened by several Neapolitan "godfathers". The Italian Minister of the Interior has granted him a permanent police escort. Because of his courageous stance, he is considered a "national hero" by author-philosopher Umberto Eco. He lives at a secret location to avoid reprisal attacks.

Career

Saviano was born in Naples on September 22, 1979. His father was Catholic while his mother was Jewish. He grew up in the Naples suburb Caserta. He graduated in philosophy at the University of Naples Federico II. His writing is influenced by anti-fascist thinkers such as Giustino Fortunato, Gaetano Salvemini and conservative authors such as Ernst Jünger, Ezra Pound, Louis Ferdinand Celine, and Carl Schmitt.

Saviano

Saviano is a comune (municipality) in the Metropolitan City of Naples in the Italian region Campania, located about 25 km northeast of Naples. As of 31 December 2004, it had a population of 15,114 and an area of 13.8 km².

Geography

Saviano borders the following municipalities: Nola, San Vitaliano, Scisciano, Somma Vesuviana.

History

The commune was created in 1867 through the merger of the former Sirico (thenceforth called Saviano) with Sant'Erasmo. It was part of the Terra di Lavoro province until 1927.

Demographic evolution

References