The essay analyzes the intellectual biography of Claudio Pavone, starting from his most important works. In the author’s opinion, in all his work and throu­ghout his life Claudio Pavone reflects on the continuity of State, works on the archival method and on the link between the Risorgimento and the Resistance, analyzes the transition from political ideas to the institutions. Claudio Pavone is an intellectual who divides himself between history and memory as, lastly, confirms his commitment as director of the “Parolechiave”.