Born in in Poggio Rusco in 1959, a journalist, novelist and essayist, Stefano Scansani he worked for a long time at the Gazzetta di Mantova and now he the editor in chief of La Gazzetta di Reggio. His literary activity draws inspiration on local history, from the Gonzaga Family to the people and things of the Po Valley, culinary tradition and bestiaries. He moves effortlessly from historical fiction (La pantofola di Matilda, L'amor morto) to river surrealism (Bestiario podiense) and culinary anthropology (Il mangiare cattivo). He is also known for creating unclassifiable cultural events: at the 10th edition of Festivaletteratura, he presented his book Fenomenologia del maiale alongside Nobel laureate Dario Fo, while his urban guide Omnia Mantova (Tre Lune) inspired alternative walking itineraries throughout the city. His most recent works include Raffaello in guerra (Aliberti, 2020), a memorable chronicle of art rescue during World War II, followed by his latest historical non-fiction books published by Tre Lune: La storia di Mantova in 21 oggetti (2024), and the 2025 diptych L'acqua di Mantova. Fontane fontanini fontanoni and L'Officina del Gaz. Storie mantovane di luce cibo calore.

(photo: autore)