The Premio Campiello is an annual Italian literary prize. A group of literary experts chooses books published during the year and selects five as finalists in a public event. These books are called Premio Selezione Campiello. Then, a group of 300 readers from different backgrounds and regions across Italy votes for the winner. Each person votes once. Since 2004, the group of literary experts also gives an award called Premio Campiello Opera Prima to the best first-time work.
History
In 1962, Confindustria Veneto wanted to connect businesses with the literary world and created a literary prize. The first prize was given to Primo Levi for his book La tregua, which was translated into English as The Truce in Britain and Reawakening in the United States. The ceremony happened at Teatro Verde in Venice, located on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, on September 3, 1963.
Today, the prize is still supported by Italian businessmen from the Veneto region and is used to encourage Italian literature.
There is also a prize for young writers called Campiello Giovani. To qualify, participants must be between 15 and 22 years old. The group that selects the Campiello Giovani winners is made up of young people. Often, past winners and finalists help choose the current participants. Then, three teachers vote for the top five finalists, and a group of 300 people called the Jury picks the winner.
Some countries, such as Germany and Spain, now give a Campiello prize using the same system.
Name
The word "campiello" comes from "campo," which means a small square. In Venice, the word "campo" is used to describe plazas and squares, unlike other cities that use the word "piazza." A "campiello" is a small square in Venice.
Premio Speciale
From 1997 to 2003, Fondazione Il Campiello gave a special prize called Premio Speciale della Giuria dei Letterati. This prize honored modern writers for their important work over their lifetime. The Premio Speciale was given to:
- Anna Maria Ortese (1997)
- Elio Pagliarani (1998)
- Maria Corti (1999)
- Franco Lucentini (2000)
- Raffaele La Capria (2001)
- Michel Tournier (2002)
- Edoardo Sanguineti (2003)