Gabriele D' Annunzio

Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938). Italian poet, novelist, short story writer, playwright, and journalist. His service as a combat pilot during World War I resulted in the loss of sight in one eye, but also elevated him to the status of a national hero in his country. A hedonist and famous bon vivant, he was a legendary yet controversial figure due to his nationalist tendencies and involvement in politics and fascism. He was considered Italy's foremost literary figure at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. His novel "The Pleasure" is regarded as his masterpiece.