From the short story by Jorge Luis Borges
Tlon
An imaginary planet. That exists.
"Tlön may be a labyrinth, but it is a labyrinth plotted by men, a labyrinth destined to be deciphered by men."
A project of research and outreach
Tlon is a cultural and philosophical research and outreach project conceived by Maura Gancitano and Andrea Colamedici. The name comes from the imaginary planet created by Borges in his story from Ficciones: a fictional (and dangerous) world that, by being thought into existence, becomes real.
Our mission is to recover the original way of doing philosophy through dialogue and human encounter, blending different registers, connecting research and public engagement.
Founded
2015
Bookstore
October 2016
Based in
Rome
School of Philosophy
Courses, seminars, podcasts. Philosophy as a tool for living better and thinking critically about the contemporary world. The podcast "Scuola di Filosofie" is among the most listened to in Italy. "Pensare Europeo" was created in collaboration with the European Parliament, "Meno per Meno" with Niccolò Fabi on RaiPlaySound.
Publishing House
Edizioni Tlon was founded in February 2016. We publish philosophy (Planetari Big), gender studies (Numeri Primi), current affairs (Soglie, Urano), pamphlets (Dardi), spiritual practices (Radici), novels (Finzioni), poetry (Controcielo).
Bookstores and Bookshops
On October 2, 2016, the Libreria Teatro Tlon opened at Via Federico Nansen 14 in Rome's Ostiense district. Since 2021, we manage Tlon Aleph at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Villa Medici bookshop. In Venice, the Libreria Giovanni at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia.
Festivals and Events
Philosophical direction of the Festival del Pensare Contemporaneo in Piacenza and the Carnival of Putignano. Creators of Il Pod — Italian Podcast Awards, the Festa della Filosofia, and Prendiamola con Filosofia. We bring thought where the unexpected can happen.
Corporate Training
Educational programs on philosophy, AI, diversity & inclusion, emotional education, and the meaning of work. We collaborate with companies, institutions, and universities in Italy and internationally.
A story of wonder
The Beginning
Tlon is born with a series of cultural events in Rome. The name comes from Borges' story: an imaginary planet that becomes real by being thought into existence. And supplants reality with brutality and sweetness.
Publishing and Bookstore
Edizioni Tlon (in February) and the Libreria Teatro at Via Federico Nansen 14 in Rome's Ostiense district (October 2) are born. In April, the first book co-authored by Maura Gancitano and Andrea Colamedici is published by Edizioni Tlon: "Tu non sei Dio, fenomenologia della spiritualità contemporanea" (You Are Not God).
The Performance Society
Tlon's philosophy begins to take shape as a critique of contemporaneity.
Free Yourself from the Good Girl
The book with HarperCollins becomes a publishing phenomenon. The collaboration with major publishers begins. Books are translated into Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Polish.
Take It with Philosophy
During lockdown, we organize the online marathon with hundreds of guests including philosophers, artists, musicians, and millions of viewers. The Festa della Filosofia at the Milan Triennale is also born.
Tlon Aleph
The bookshop at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art in Rome opens. "L'alba dei nuovi dei" (The Dawn of the New Gods) is published with Mondadori. "Scuola di Filosofie" becomes one of the most listened-to podcasts on Audible Italy.
Il Pod and Rapallo Prize
Il Pod — Italian Podcast Awards is born, the first award for the best Italian podcasts. Maura wins the Rapallo Prize with "Specchio delle mie brame" (Mirror Mirror) published by Einaudi, tied with Bianca Pitzorno.
Festival of Contemporary Thinking
The philosophical direction of the Festival del Pensare Contemporaneo in Piacenza begins. Tlon becomes a national project. "Ma chi me lo fa fare?" (Why Am I Even Doing This?) on the meaning of work is published.
Hypnocracy
Andrea's book, initially signed by the fictional Chinese philosopher Jianwei Xun, is revealed as a narrative performance. Discussed in international press and translated into French, Spanish, and English.
Botany of Wonder
The new book together. Cultivating amazement at the end of the world. An investigation into the human spirit documenting practices of cultural resistance in the cracks of the apocalypse.
Books Written Together
Tu non sei Dio
Tlon
Lezioni di meraviglia
Tlon
La società della performance
Tlon
Liberati della brava bambina
HarperCollins
Prendila con filosofia
HarperCollins
L'alba dei nuovi dei
Mondadori
Il gioco del pensiero
Tlon
Ma chi me lo fa fare?
HarperCollins
Filosofia (non) è noioso
Zanichelli
Botanica della meraviglia
HarperCollins
Translations
Who We Are
Nicola Bonimelli
Co-founder, Commercial Director
Michele Trionfera
Bookstores Director
Caterina Di Paolo
Editorial Coordinator, Art Director
Marco Carassai
Editor
Lorenzo Gasparrini
E-commerce Manager
They Have Worked with Us