Abstract

This essay is about the relationship between Luigi Einaudi and Luigi Albertini as it emerges from their recently published correspondence. Beyond the comparison of two outstanding personalities - one of most important Italian liberal economists and his editor - this correspondence enables to examine an entire period of Italian history. Through Einaudi's articles published in the newspaper "Corriere della Sera", the economist carried on his personal mission against monopolies and state intervention in the economy and in favor of perfect competition, considered the only way to protect the economy from crisis inevitably resulting from improper connections between state and industry. Einaudi's collaboration with the "Corriere" was based on Albertini's constant respect of his scientific ideas; indeed, the firm decision to stop this collaboration coincided with the moment Albertini was removed from the direction of the newspaper, victim of the fascist control on the press.