Languages: German, English, Italian

Paolo Di Paolo uniquely captures the changing Italy of the late 1950s: personal, humorous, and exceptional. Many previously unpublished photos from the renowned reports "La lunga strada di sabbia" with Pier Paolo Pasolini. A unique insight into a rediscovered documentary photo archive.

The extraordinary photo book "La lunga strada di sabbia" is an unparalleled documentation of a travel report by the writer and later director Pier Paolo Pasolini and photographer Paolo Di Paolo. The two men, still young in the summer of 1959 at just 37 and 34 years old, set out together to document the Italian summer holidays on behalf of Arturo Tofanelli, the editor-in-chief of the monthly magazine Successo and the weekly newspaper Tempo. The two, who had not known each other until then, travel along the coast from Ventimiglia southward to reach Trieste. While the writer Pasolini searches for a world of lost literary ghosts, Di Paolo aims to depict an Italy looking towards the future. He is also the originator of the title "La lunga strada di sabbia," which translates to "The Long Road of Sand." It is precisely these contrasting approaches that later lend this travel report its special significance as a witness to this era.

The coffee table book offers a unique insight into a rediscovered documentary photo archive. It impressively showcases the transforming Italy of the late 1950s, which is just at the beginning of its economic miracle. Yet, the country and its inhabitants are still unsettled and have not fully recovered from the war. People travel long distances to spend a relaxing holiday by the sea.

Viewing the images evokes nostalgic feelings. The vibrant scenes unfold for the reader.