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This time, Calvino delves further back into history, setting his novel among Charlemagne’s paladins in a Middle Ages far removed from historical and geographical accuracy, akin to chivalric epics. Yet, the modern essence of Calvino’s inventions is unmistakable. The character of Agilulfo, the nonexistent knight, could only come to life in today’s highly abstract mass society, where the human person often seems obscured by roles, functions, and predetermined behaviors. However, The Nonexistent Knight can be enjoyed purely for its adventurous narrative, following Agilulfo, Gurdulù, the fierce Amazon Bradamante, the young Rambaldo, the grim Torrismondo, the cunning Priscilla, and the serene Sofronia. Amidst the humorous incidents, battles, duels, and shipwrecks, Calvino’s signature tone emerges—his active moral stance, his ironic and melancholic reserve, and his yearning for a fuller, more complete humanity.