Origins & Early Life

Piero Sraffa FBA (5 August 1898 – 3 September 1983) was an influential Italian political economist who served as lecturer of economics at the University of Cambridge. His book Production of Commodities by Means of Commodities is taken as founding the neo-Ricardian school of economics. Sraffa was born in Turin, Kingdom of Italy, to Angelo Sraffa (1865–1937) and Irma Sraffa (née Tivoli) (1873–1949), a wealthy Italian Jewish couple. His father was a professor in commercial law and later dean at the Bocconi University in Milan.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Despite being raised as a practising Jew, Sraffa later became an agnostic. Due to his father's activity, the young Piero followed him during his academic wanderings (University of Parma, University of Milan and University of Turin), where he met Antonio Gramsci (leader of Communist Party of Italy). They became close friends, partly due to their shared political views. Sraffa was also in contact with Filippo Turati, perhaps the most important leader of the Italian Socialist Party, whom he allegedly met and frequently visited in Rapallo, where his family had a holiday villa. At the age of 18, in the spring of 1917, he began military...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alvar Aalto — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Pioneering Finnish architect whose total art approach defined modern Nordic design.
• Ariel Durant — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): Ukrainian-born American historian, coauthor of The Story of Civilization.
• Armand Hammer — Contemporary (Born in 1898) (1898): American oil tycoon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist known for Soviet ties.
• Alfred Tarski — Contemporary (Died in 1983) (1983): Pioneering logician known for model theory and the formal concept of truth.
• Amy Winehouse — Contemporary (Born in 1983) (1983): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• Andrew Garfield — Contemporary (Born in 1983) (1983): Acclaimed English and American actor known for intense dramatic roles.
• Adam Yauch — Shared historical date (08-05 · Born) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Alec Guinness — Shared historical date (08-05 · Died) (2000): Iconic English actor celebrated for stage mastery and cinematic versatility.
• 7th Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (09-03 · Born) (1708): Spiritual leader of Tibet, recognized as the 7th Dalai Lama from 1720 to 1757.
• Adolphe Thiers — Shared historical date (09-03 · Died) (1877): Influential French statesman, historian, and President of the Third Republic.
• 1898 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1898
• August 5 (08-05) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 5
• 1983 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1983
• September 3 (09-03) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on September 3