A biography of novelist, playwright, and poet Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938) who shocked and dazzled early 20th-century Europe with his sexual exploits, military feats, and political escapades. More than any other figure since the unification of Italy, he casts a shadow forwards to the present day. His relationships with the worlds of Italian culture, theatre, and politics were unique, fiery, and always controversial. His literary achievements have influenced generations of Italian writers. This book is intended for students and scholars of Italian literature, history, and politics, European Decadentism, 19th- and 20th-century studies.