Vittorio Imbriani
XII conti pomiglianesi
con varianti avellinesi, montellesi, bagnolesi, milanesi, toscane, ecc.
"XII Conti Pomiglianesi" by Vittorio Imbriani is a collection of folk tales and novellas gathered from the Pomigliano d'Arco region, written in the late 19th century. This work serves as a rich source of traditional narratives, featuring local dialects and cultural themes that reflect the life and customs of southern Italy. The main character in the opening tale, "Giuseppe 'a Veretà," embodies the theme of honesty and its rewards in a humorous and engaging manner. The beginning of "XII Conti Pomiglianesi" introduces us to Giuseppe, a boy who is known for never telling lies, earning him the nickname "Giuseppe 'a Veretà." The narrative unfolds with Giuseppe's interaction with a King, who takes an interest in him due to his reputation. When the King challenges him by sending a woman to test his honesty regarding a bull, Giuseppe cleverly navigates the situation by pretending that his dirty coat is the King and claims that the bull remains alive—a ruse that entertains the King and impresses the court. This opening establishes a playful tone and sets the stage for the exploration of truth, wit, and societal dynamics through a series of similar tales in the collection.