On the edge of the desert, shrouded in a kind of enchanted silence, stands the Fortezza Bastiani. This is the Empire's last bastion overlooking the northern border. Here Lieutenant Drogo lives his life, waiting in vain for the enemy who will one day come—but too late for him. Published in 1940, "The Desert of Tartar" is Dino Buzzati's masterpiece: in Giovanni Drogo's floating world, the rituals of a decaying military aristocracy mingle with hierarchy, obedience, and blind adherence to outdated regulations. His story is a "synthesis of man's destiny on earth," the account of "the fate of the average man" who awaits "an hour of glory that constantly flees." Ultimately, as an old man, he realizes that his longing has remained unfulfilled. Buzzati explained that the inspiration likely stemmed from his night shift at the editorial office of the "Corriere della Sera" from 1933 to 1939, a difficult and monotonous period during which he wondered if the great opportunity would ever come. It seemed as if the monotony would continue indefinitely, consuming his life uselessly. He translated this experience almost instinctively into a fantastic military setting. In this edition, the text is accompanied by unpublished material that offers insight into the novel's development and its journey from book to film, with changes and multiple endings. This edition is valuable for self-study and suitable for literature enthusiasts who want to deepen their knowledge. Intertaal guarantees fast delivery and reliability.