GIORNALE DEI LETTERATI. - This is the first Italian literary periodical, whose publication began in Rome in 1868 at the initiative of Abbot Francesco Nazzari, professor of philosophy at the Sapienza. It was printed by Nicol’Angelo Tinassi.
Modeled on the *Journal des savants* of Paris, it had a primarily scientific character and absolutely no political news. Italian and foreign works were summarized and reviewed by specialist contributors; there were articles on astronomy, art, ecclesiastical matters, medicine, and physical and mechanical sciences, with illustrated plates. There were also numerous extracts from Italian and foreign newspapers. The first issue was dated 28 January 1868 and the last 30 December 1879. The newspaper generally appeared at the end of the month in 16 pages; it achieved great success and was immediately imitated in Italy: thus Abbot Benedetto Bacchini published from 1668 to 1669 in Parma a *G. dei L.* which then continued in Modena (1692-95).
For the years 1876 to 1879 we have two *G. dei L.* in Rome since Nazzari changed printers in 1876: indeed, at the bottom of the issue, starting from no. 3 (1876), we read: «In Rome, by Mascardi». His collaborator Giustino Ciampini, after forming a new society of scholars, gave life to a second *G. dei L.* which continued in the same manner, in Tinassi’s printing house, until 1881 under the direction of its founder and then, for another two years, under that of Francesco Maria Vittori. It did not, however, appear regularly. As for content, this newspaper is very similar to Nazzari’s; however, philosophical and literary material, especially foreign, was increased: perhaps for this reason it met with greater public favor.
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**GIORNALE DE’ LETTERATI D’ITALIA.** - Founded in Venice in 1710 by A. Zeno, F. Maffei, and A. Vallisneri, it was the most notable example of Italian erudite journalism in the 18th century. Among its contributors were G. B. Morgagni, the astronomer G. Poleni, L. A. Muratori, and E. Manfredi, all the most eminent scientists and scholars of the time.
The journal aimed to make known what was being produced in every part of Italy in the fields of studies, archaeology, medical and natural sciences, mathematics and mechanics, as well as in ancient and modern literatures, and also to defend the good name of Italian scholars, which some foreign newspapers were deriding. The diligence, sense of measure, and objectivity shown by the writers earned the *G.* wide credit both in Italy and abroad. Apostolo Zeno was its director until his departure for Vienna. The newspaper then passed into other hands and lasted until 1740.
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