Edmondo de Amicis was an Italian writer, journalist, and educator, best known for his deeply moralistic and patriotic novel Cuore (Heart). Born in Oneglia, in the Kingdom of Sardinia, De Amicis was a significant literary figure in post-unification Italy, where his works contributed to the shaping of national identity and civic values. He remains a key author in the tradition of 19th-century European literature focused on education, morality, and social consciousness. De Amicis gained widespread recognition with Cuore (1886), a novel structured as the diary of a young Italian schoolboy, Enrico Bottini, during one academic year. Intended as a moral guide for children, the book highlights themes such as patriotism, compassion, discipline, and the importance of education. Interspersed with monthly "stories of virtue" - tales of selflessness and heroism among children - Cuore became a foundational text in Italian school curricula and was translated into dozens of languages, resonating with audiences far beyond Italy. De Amicis's influence on Italian society was profound, especially during the formative years of the Italian nation-state. Cuore, in particular, became a tool for instilling civic values in generations of students and was embraced by both liberal and nationalist movements. Despite critiques of its sentimental tone, the novel's clear moral messaging and portrayal of diverse Italian regions helped foster a sense of national cohesion. He was also a pioneer in using literature as a means of promoting social change, blending narrative storytelling with pedagogical purpose. His later embrace of socialism marked a significant shift in his ideology, demonstrating his commitment to aligning literature with social progress.