The phrase Leopardian poetics refers to the poetical theories of Giacomo Leopardi. These were not a single theory, but evolved dynamically during the years of his creativity, from his adolescence to his premature death. Leopardi often wrote about poetry in general and about his own idea of poetry, of its language and scope. Many pages on this subject can be found in the Zibaldone, a private diary and collection of notes, literary projects, translations, etc. Until 1822–23, he affirms the superiority of ancient men over his contemporaries, believing the powers of the imagination to have been very strong in the past; hence he upheld a kind of poetry which could give happiness through representations of a living nature, animated by gods, and near to men's feelings. In modern times, he believe