After the many legal documents compiled throughout his life, the judge-turned-writer extraordinaire Fabio Mazza embraced the idea of writing an autobiography, which would reveal private aspects of his life while at the same time attract the reader for its universal qualities. Hence, as the title "Once upon a time on a small island" suggests, the author accompanies the reader on an imaginary journey in the isle of Ventotene, where he lived after the untimely death of his father, together with his mother and her new husband. (...) 1946 marks the beginning of the author's life on this land of exile, geographically enticing and cloaked in mystery. That is the starting point from which Fabio Mazza, thanks to his literary craftsmanship and through his intellectual and spiritual musings, in symbiosis with the strength of this land, gives life to a detailed narration that sheds light on his private as well as professional life as honored judge at the Court of Cassation (the highest court of appeal in Italy). (...) A journey to a different time that will arouse the curiosity of those who wish to know themselves a little better. From the Preface of Lia Bronzi.