Gabriele D'Annunzio

Born in Pescara in 1863, Gabriele D'Annunzio rose to fame young, first as a poet and then as a novelist, playwright, and journalist. He became known for richly musical language, intense sensuality, and an appetite for beauty, fame, and spectacle that made him a celebrity as well as a writer.

His books and plays were central to Italian Decadent literature, and works such as Il piacere helped define his reputation. During World War I he also became famous for bold military exploits and fiery nationalist rhetoric, bringing his public image even closer to legend.

That larger-than-life image is part of why he remains so fascinating today. D'Annunzio's literary influence was enormous, but his later political role and links to early fascist style and symbolism have also made his legacy deeply complicated.