Emilio Salgari, an Italian adventure writer, was born in Verona on August 21, 1862. He came from a family of modest merchants, and had dreams of becoming a sea captain and exploring the world. However, his dreams were crushed when he received poor marks at a naval institute in Venice. Instead, Salgari channeled his passion for exploration and discovery into writing. He would go on to become one of Italy's most prolific writers, penning down more than 200 short stories and novels, many of which are considered classics.
Salgari's works are set in exotic locations, and his heroes come from diverse cultures. His stories, filled with adventure and excitement, brought the wonders of the world to the doorstep of generations of readers. Widely known as the father of Spaghetti Western and Italian Popular Culture, Salgari's influence on Italian literature is undeniable. His works have been translated into multiple languages, and he is considered to be one of the best selling Italian authors of all time.
Despite his success, Emilio Salgari remains virtually unknown to the English-speaking world. Yet, like his adventure-writing counterparts Jules Verne in France and Henry Rider Haggard in England, Salgari was knighted for his contribution to literature. His works continue to inspire and entertain readers, and his legacy as a master storyteller remains intact. Salgari's ability to transport readers to far-off lands and introduce them to heroes from different cultures has cemented his place as a giant in Italian literature.