The American University of Rome is proud to count among its faculty acclaimed journalist and author Andrea di Robilant. In recognition of his experience and knopwledge, di Robilant has been named as AUR's inaugural Writer in Residence. As part of AUR’s continued commitment to cultivating a deep and enduring relationship with the arts, di Robilant’s residency offers students, faculty, and the broader Roman community a unique opportunity to engage with one of Italy’s most distinguished published voices.
Photo credit: Clementina di Robilant
The life so short, the craft so long to learn,
The assay so hard, so sharp the conquering,
The fearful joy that slips away in turn,
All this mean I by Love, that my feeling
Astonishes with its wondrous working
So fiercely that when I on love do think
I know not well whether I float or sink.
Geoffrey Chaucer, The Parliament of Fowls
At AUR, we believe the arts are not merely a complement to academic inquiry, they are essential to understanding the human condition. Through literature, history, and the creative process, we deepen our compassion, imagination, and resilience. The presence of leading practitioners such as Andrea di Robilant enriches our campus dialogue and inspires the next generation of thinkers, writers, and cultural observers.
Join us on Friday, April 11, 2025, in the Auriana Auditorium, for two special events featuring Andrea di Robilant.
WRITER IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOP
Time: 4:00–5:30 PM
Title: Creatures of the Lagoon: Notes on a New Work of Non-fiction
Venue: The Auriana Auditorium at The American University of Rome, Via Pietro Roselli 16, 00153, Rome
Capacity: Limited to 20 participants - Pre-registration required (use the form at the foot of this page to register)
In this intimate workshop, di Robilant will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the early stages of crafting a new non-fiction work. Drawing from his acclaimed storytelling process—most recently seen in "This Earthly Globe: A Venetian Geographer and the Quest to Map the World," he’ll explore the spark of inspiration, the challenges of archival research, and the discipline required to transform raw curiosity into compelling narrative.
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EVENING PUBLIC TALK
Time: 7:30–9:00 PM
Title: Venice Before Venice: A New Origin Story
Venue: The Auriana Auditorium at The American University of Rome, Via Pietro Roselli 16, 00153, Rome
Capacity: Limited to 100 participants - Pre-registration required (use the form at the foot of this page to register)
In this public lecture, di Robilant shares insights from his latest project-in-progress - an exploration of Venice’s murky origins. Challenging the long-held myth of the city’s birth in the wake of barbarian invasions, di Robilant introduces groundbreaking research by a maverick archaeologist that suggests a thriving Roman presence in the lagoon far earlier than previously believed. The talk promises to be a captivating blend of historical sleuthing and narrative discovery.
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Andrea di Robilant studied History and International Affairs at Columbia University before beginning a distinguished career as a foreign correspondent for La Stampa and La Repubblica. His books - "A Venetian Affair," "Lucia," "Irresistible North," "Chasing the Rose," "Autumn in Venice: Ernest Hemingway and his Last Muse," and "This Earthly Globe: A Venetian Geographer and the Quest to Map the World" - have earned international acclaim for their blend of meticulous research and narrative elegance. He currently teaches creative non-fiction at The American University of Rome.
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We invite the AUR community and the public to join us for this celebration of literature, history, and the enduring power of story. Register to attend either or both events below.
Register your attendance at forthcoming AUR events