Giovanni Gentile, born in Castelvetrano (TR) on May 29th 1875, was a prominent figure in the cultural and political scene of the first half of the 20th century.

A philosopher and pedagogue, as well as for his numerous exchanges and debates with Benedetto Croce and other exponents of the erudite circles of the time, he is remembered for being one of the co-founders, together with Giovanni Treccani, of the Istituto dell’Enciclopedia Italiana, approved as an institution of national purpose by Royal Decree Law no. 669 (for more details and to consult the Royal Decree: Archivio Centrale dello Stato, Raccolta ufficiale delle leggi e dei decreti (1861 – 2012), R.D.L. 24 giugno 1933 no. 669).

Gentile was also appointed Minister of Education in 1920-21 and during this term was the architect of the school reform that bears his name.

On May 9th 1901, he was united in marriage with Erminia Nudi from Campobasso.

He died in Florence on April 15th 1944.

You can consult the birth certificate on the Ancestors Portal: Archivio di Stato di Trapani > Stato civile italiano > Castelvetrano > Nati > 1875

The original is kept at the State Archives of Trapani.

You can consult the marriage certificate on the Ancestors Portal: Archivio di Stato di Campobasso > Stato civile italiano > Campobasso > 1901

The original is kept at the State Archives of Campobasso.

For more on the figure of Giovanni Gentile, see the entry in the Dizionario Biografico degli Italiani edited by Gennaro Sasso.