Carlo Sgorlon's contribution to post-World War II Italian narrative can be traced to his strong interest in the popular traditions of Friuli, his native region in northern Italy that borders Austria and Slovenia. The magic and mystery in his work are tied to his appreciation of the fables, folklore, and tales of Friuli, and he has written some of his many short stories in the language of the region. He thus can be counted among such contemporary Italian writers as Cesare Pavese, Giuseppe Dessì, Gina Lagorio, and Fulvio Tomizza, who draw on their native regions for inspiration. Sgorlon is much more than a regional writer, however, for the values and ideas of his work transcend regional interest.

Sgorlon was born on 26 July 1930 in Casacco, a village near Udine. He spent much of his childhood with his grandparents and came into contact with the life of Friulan peasants...