From prisoner in Procida to mayor of Malcesine. General Alberto Pariani’s biographical events from his personal archive in Verona civic library

General Alberto Pariani (1876-1955) was a well-known personality during the 1930s, when, after a brilliant career, was appointed Chief of the Defence Staff of the Italian army. Notwithstanding, he was removed from office following some controversial reforms. Except for a very short period, he did not perform any important task during the Second World War, and lived as a private citizen in Malcesine, a town on Lake Garda. In the immediate post-war period, he was imprisoned, tried and convicted on the grounds of having favoured the wars promoted by the fascist regime. Yet, after a second trial, he was acquitted with full formula. He then returned to Malcesine, where in 1952 he was elected mayor, making significant contributions to the development of local tourism. After his death, the Civic Library of Verona acquired parts of his personal archive, which contains documents offering precious insights on both national and local events. By examining this documentation, this study focuses on General Pariani’s biography and views, paying special attention to the local dimension. Here, elements of historical interest can be detected in his personal observations.