Gabriele D’Annunzio

Date of Birth: March 12, 1863

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: March 1, 1938

Biography

Gabriele D’Annunzio was an Italian poet, playwright, and novelist, who played a significant role in Italian literature and politics during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born into a well-off family and demonstrated literary talent from a young age. D’Annunzio’s early works were marked by a decadent style, reflecting the influence of French Symbolism. His reputation as a writer grew with the publication of novels such as “Il Piacere” (The Pleasure), “L’Innocente” (The Intruder), and “Il Fuoco” (The Flame of Life). In addition to his literary accomplishments, D’Annunzio was a fervent nationalist and took part in various military endeavors. During World War I, he served as a fighter pilot and became famous for his daring and propaganda efforts. His most notable political act occurred in 1919 when he led a group of nationalists to seize the city of Fiume (now Rijeka, Croatia) and declared it an independent entity. This bold move was an attempt to annex the city to Italy, although it was not officially recognized. D’Annunzio’s influence extended beyond literature and politics; he was also a prominent figure in the artistic and cultural circles of his time. His flamboyant lifestyle, numerous romantic affairs, and dramatic public persona made him a celebrity. Despite his controversial actions and ideologies, D’Annunzio’s contributions to literature and culture remain significant, and his works continue to be studied and appreciated.

5 Interesting Facts about Gabriele D’Annunzio

1. Gabriele D’Annunzio was nicknamed “Il Vate,” which means “The Poet” or “The Bard” in Italian, due to his significant impact on Italian literature and culture.

2. He lost an eye during a plane crash in World War I but continued to fly and conduct daring missions.

3. D’Annunzio’s affair with the famous actress Eleonora Duse was widely publicized and inspired some of his literary works.

4. He designed and lived in an extravagant villa called “Il Vittoriale degli Italiani,” which is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

5. D’Annunzio was a precursor to the Italian Fascist movement, although he never fully aligned himself with Fascism.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gabriele D’Annunzio

1. “I am a creature of starry skies and high mountains; I cannot live in the valleys.”

2. “We want to glorify war—the only cure for the world.”

3. “Life is only worth living if lived as a work of art.”

4. “To be a poet is a condition, not a profession.”

5. “To dare, to dare again, always to dare!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Highest net worth achieved: Approximately $20 million (adjusted for modern currency)

Children

Gabriele D’Annunzio had three children with his wife Maria Hardouin di Gallese: 1. Mario D’Annunzio 2. Gabriellino D’Annunzio 3. Veniero D’Annunzio He also had multiple affairs and relationships, resulting in several illegitimate children.