Premio Letterario Michele Selvaggio

In this exciting interview, we have the pleasure of talking to Nicola Cervo, who is involved with the prestigious Michele Selvaggio Literary Prize. But before we dive into the details of the literary prize, let's take a moment to understand the historical institute behind it.

The Historical Institute Sannio Telesino was founded in 2019 with the aim of deepening, improving, and bringing together all the historical, archaeological, and anthropological research related to the Sannio Telesino region. The institute was established by three friends, one of whom was Dr. Michele Selvaggio, to whom the literary prize is dedicated.

The main purpose of the institute is to unite local historians and scholars to revitalize the cultural heritage of the Benevento region, which unfortunately is not at its best. One of the most concerning issues is depopulation, which is affecting many areas in Southern Italy. The institute aims to use culture as a tool to enhance the territory and combat this ongoing crisis.

Dr. Michele Selvaggio, the first president of the institute and an extraordinary individual, unexpectedly passed away last summer. His sudden demise deeply affected the entire community because he was not only a dedicated physician but also a reference point for the region. He had a profound passion for poetry and history. In honor of his memory, his family decided to establish the literary prize.

The literary prize is not only a tribute to Dr. Selvaggio but also an opportunity to promote the region and its cultural heritage. The goal is to create a point of reference that contributes to the valorization of the territory. By leaving a visible trace of Dr. Selvaggio's contributions, they hope to pay homage to this remarkable man.

Forming a Network of Passionate Historians

The Historical Institute Sannio Telesino is an cultural association that brings together various professionals. It was founded on the idea of uniting historians and creating synergy among scholars and cultural institutions. Even the Rotary International, particularly the Rotary Valle Telesina and Alto Casertano Piedimonte Matese, support the institute.

In the future, the institute plans to establish a scientific committee comprised of academics and involve them in the selection process for upcoming works. Adding this prestigious panel will further legitimize the institute and raise its profile among academic circles. The ultimate goal is not to compete with academic institutions but to open research avenues that can contribute to the understanding and valorization of the territory.

The Literary Prize and Selection Process

The literary prize, which focuses on historical literature with a free theme, is completely free to enter. The deadline for submissions is April 30th. The selection process will be based on both technical aspects and emotional impact. While judging a historical novel or a scholarly essay can be challenging, the jury will prioritize works that evoke passion and emotion, just as Dr. Selvaggio's own works did.

The jury, composed of five members, will be announced in the coming months. They will evaluate the submissions and select the winners. Besides receiving cash prizes ranging from €400 to €1600, the top three laureates will be invited to the awards ceremony. The ceremony, originally scheduled for June 17th but now moved to June 24th, will feature musical interludes and a dinner.

To ensure transparency and media coverage, the composition of the jury will be announced in an intermediate period between the submission deadline and the awards ceremony. The event has received the patronage of the Telese Terme municipality, the Benevento province, and the Campania region, which reflects the widespread respect and admiration for Dr. Selvaggio among political institutions.

Join the Historical Passion

In closing, Nicola emphasizes the importance of participating in the literary prize for those who have a genuine passion for history. The goal is to inspire and connect with like-minded individuals who are eager to share their passion. While winning the prize is not the most important aspect, it serves as a gratifying recognition for the dedication and enthusiasm shared in the pursuit of historical knowledge.

With the Michele Selvaggio Literary Prize, the Historical Institute Sannio Telesino invites everyone who is fascinated by history to embark on a journey of discovery and exploration. By sharing and experiencing the passion of the past, they hope to create a meaningful and lasting impact on the cultural landscape of the Benevento region and beyond.

To participate, submit your work via email to [email protected], or use the dedicated submission form available on the institute's website. Don't miss this opportunity to join a community of passionate historians and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Michele Selvaggio.