Gabriele D'annunzio (1863-1938) was an Italian author
and political figure. His poetry deals with nature, the sea, and his own
hunger for happiness. The poems show an unusual sensitivity for colors,
moods, and feelings. His style is imaginative and melodious, but often
flowery. D'Annunzio wrote many novels, several based on his scandalous
personal life. The Flame of Life (1900) is based on his love affair with
actress Eleonora Duse. His plays include La
Gioconda (1898) and The Daughter of Jorio (1904).
D'Annunzio was born in Pescara. In 1910, his extravagant living forced
him to declare bankruptcy, and he moved to Paris. He returned to Italy
to campaign for his country's entry into World War I. In 1919 and 1920,
he served as the self-appointed ruler of the city of Fiume (now Rijeka)
after seizing the city with a military force.
