Elsa Morante (1912–1985) was an Italian novelist, short story writer, and poet. She began writing short stories in the 1930s, and her first book, a collection of short stories, was published in 1941, the same year she married the prominent Italian author Alberto Moravia. In the Second World War, Moravia's anti-fascist reputation forced the couple to flee German-occupied Rome, and it was during this time, hidden away in the mountains, that Morante began to write her first novel, <em>House of Liars</em>. Morante was not a prolific writer; she would complete only three more major works during her lifetime, including her most famous work, <em>History</em>. In 1957, she won the Premio Strega for <em>Arturo’s Island</em>, and her final novel, <em>Aracoeli</em>, earned her the Prix M&eacute;dicis &eacute;tranger in 1985, the year of her death. /images/elsa_morante.jpg 2008-12-15T11:53:57-08:00 Elsa 11 Morante morante 2008-12-15T11:53:57-08:00