He is one of the most important Italian authors of the twentieth century. He followed different literary styles, from the neo-realist imprint of his early writings to the allegorical-fairy tale style of his more mature work. Among his main works are: Il visconte dimezzato (1952), Il barone rampante (1957), Il cavaliere inesistente (1959), Le città invisibili (1972), Sotto il sole giaguaro (1986).