The Rest Is History 194. The First Fascist
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Jun 9, 2022 Joining the discussion is Lucy Hughes-Hallett, a historian and author known for her biography of Gabriele D'Annunzio. They delve into D'Annunzio's complex role as a literary figure and his paradoxical influence on Italian politics, particularly regarding fascism. The conversation reveals how his romanticized rhetoric around war shaped nationalist sentiment leading up to World War I. They also explore his troubling legacy and the ways his dramatic actions resonated throughout Italian culture, making him an enduring yet controversial figure.
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Faked Death for Fame
- To gain fame for his second book, 17-year-old Gabriele D’Annunzio faked his death in a writing accident.
- This stunt garnered widespread media attention, boosting his notoriety.
Reaching the Masses
- D’Annunzio worked as a journalist, covering fashion and social events, which shocked his literary friends.
- He prioritized reaching a wider audience and planting ideas in popular journals.
D’Annunzio's Relationships
- D’Annunzio's egotism and erotomania led to deplorable treatment of women, boasting of sexual conquests.
- He preferred partners who were his intellectual or social equals, valuing talent and status.
