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Article: D'Annunzio, Fiume & fascism: Robert Pearce examines the career of Mussolini's forerunner.(PROFILES IN POWER)(Gabriele d'Annunzio)(Biography)
- Article from:
- History Review
- Article date:
- September 1, 2009
- Author:
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[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
In September 1919 an escapade began that left statesmen 'fiuming' and transformed the fortunes of an Italian adventurer. Soon the name Gabriele d'Annunzio was on everyone's lips. As a celebrated Italian poet, novelist, dramatist and philosopher, as well as an infamous libertine and lover--not to mention soldier, aviator and self-styled superman--d'Annunzio was no stranger to publicity. Indeed he had courted it all his life. Now his bold action meant that this very Italian personality was strutting on a world stage. He outraged world opinion, but warmed the hearts of Italian patriots, by seizing the disputed Adriatic port of Fiume. It was, ...