“Rivedere cose italiane con occhi italiani”. Il ritorno in Italia e la variegata attività organizzativa di Terracini alla luce della corrispondenza inedita

The last phase of Terracini's life is framed in the post-World War II period with all its burden of political, social and economic problems. After the thoughtful decision to return to Italy and above all after having somehow dealt with the legacies of the past, Terracini enthusiastically dedicated himself to a significant organizational and cultural activity at local, national and international levels. In Turin, he raised the standards of the Mathematical Library and the Institute connected to it, both in terms of efficiency and scientific level. During his mandates first as vice-president (1952-1958) and then as president (1958-1964) of the Italian Mathematical Union, he tried to operate in several directions – scientific, cultural and organizational – while also promoting international contacts. This essay highlights those aspects of Terracini's work that mainly emerge from his rich correspondence.