Description: Zeno's Conscience (formerly known in English as The Confessions of Zeno) redefined the tradition of the first-person novel when it was published in 1923, and still stands out today as one of the most unique -- and uniquely charming -- European masterpieces of the twentieth century. Written as a patients statement to his psychiatrist, Zeno's eccentric, self-mocking wit flows through all of his confessions of betrayals and self-betrayals in life, love, and business. After his psychiatrist suggests writing as therapy, it becomes as indispensable a habit as the lifelong vice for which Zeno is most famous -- his numerous attempts to quit smoking with each spent cigarette, justifying the next one before the ashes are cold.

Zeno's Conscience was championed by Svevo's friend James Joyce who greatly admired Svevo's work and was instrumental in bringing his writings to the attention of the public. Within a few years of publication, Zeno's Conscience was acclaimed and translated across Europe. This new translation, the first since the novel's initial American publication in 1930, uses the more accurate translation of the Italian title, La coscienza di Zeno. At last, a translator has unveiled the idiosyncracies and depth of Svevo's writing, accurately capturing the unique pleasure of his true voice.

Please Wait