Cosmicomics

work by Calvino

Also known as: “Le cosmicomiche”

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June 24, 2026

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Cosmicomics is a collection of short stories by the Italian author Italo Calvino, first published in 1965. The stories are narrated by a character named Qfwfq, who recounts tales of the universe's creation and evolution from a unique, often whimsical, perspective.12

Each story in Cosmicomics uses a scientific concept or event, such as the Big Bang or the formation of galaxies, as a jumping-off point for imaginative narratives. Calvino blends scientific ideas with fable-like storytelling, exploring themes of existence, love, and the passage of time through the experiences of Qfwfq and other characters.12

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Italo Calvino
…fantasy is Le cosmicomiche (1965; Cosmicomics), a stream-of-consciousness narrative that treats the creation and evolution of the universe. In the later novels Le città invisibili (1972; Invisible Cities), Il castello dei destini incrociate (1973; The Castle of Crossed Destinies), and Se una notte d’inverno un viaggiatore (1979; If on a…
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…fantasy is Le cosmicomiche (1965; Cosmicomics), a stream-of-consciousness narrative that treats the creation and evolution of the universe. In the later novels Le città invisibili (1972; Invisible Cities), Il castello dei destini incrociate (1973; The Castle of Crossed Destinies), and Se una notte d’inverno un viaggiatore (1979; If on a…
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Italian literature
Other writings
…science fiction (Le cosmicomiche [1965; Cosmicomics] and Ti con zero [1968; t zero]). Paolo Volponi’s province is the human consequences of Italy’s rapid postwar industrialization (Memoriale [1962], La macchina mondiale [1965; The Worldwide Machine], and Corporale [1974]).
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…science fiction (Le cosmicomiche [1965; Cosmicomics] and Ti con zero [1968; t zero]). Paolo Volponi’s province is the human consequences of Italy’s rapid postwar industrialization (Memoriale [1962], La macchina mondiale [1965; The Worldwide Machine], and Corporale [1974]).
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