'Edge of an Era' will stimulate ideas, says author Carlo Pizzati

Italian journalist and novelist Carlo Pizzati says his latest book 'The Edge of an Era', intense and rich in content, will leave readers with stimulating ideas.

"The readers can expect a heavy, academic and intense book. This book will force them to turn off the Wi-Fi, take out a pen, note down and get some ideas," Pizzati told IANS.

The book, published by Juggernaut and priced at Rs 80, was launched at the India International Centre (IIC) in collaboration with Italian Embassy Cultural Centre on Tuesday. The event also saw a discussion, with author Manu Joseph interacting with Pizzati about his book.

'The Edge of an Era' is a collection of three interviews with critical theorist Homi Bhabha, philosopher John Gray and essayist Pankaj Mishra about the return of barbarism, threat to cosmopolitan identity, rise of nationalism, the many failures of globalisation, increasing challenges of technocracy and the crisis of neoliberal elites.

Discussing the concepts and themes, Pizzati said that the aspects of his book generated his personal interest, as he wanted to understand the major changes one was experiencing in this era.

"I interviewed these three intellects separately and then I saw that they actually composed a whole group that looked at similar topics with different points of view," the author said.

"These topics were globalisation, failure of the elites, new barbarism, racism and how we are changing our society with interruption of technology. So, then I saw that the different aspects created a common disperse," he added.

Pizzati also remembered his interaction with Pankaj Mishra, Homi Bhaba and John Grey and how their opinions helped him shape the book.

"I share good terms with Mishra, so it was lot more easier to have conversation and discussion with him and know his point of view...his opinion didn't surprise me," he noted.

"I am a fan of Grey's writing, he always inspires me. He is an enthusiastic writer and makes you an enthusiastic reader. I have read a lot of his books and find it very stimulating. If you read one of his books, you will have an urge to discover more of his writings," he further added.

He thinks that the book is highly relevant because it talks about international trends that would affect India.

"The global trends interest India a lot. Young generation is more interested in foreign news, like if Trump stops visa, how will it impact the youths in India who want to work and study there," Pizzati said.

The book is available in e-format and can be downloaded from Juggernaut website.

--IANS

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