Gabriele D’Annunzio was, as the subtitle suggests, a multi-dimensional figure. Hughes-Hallett can easily have added “psychopath”, “monster”, or “fascist” to her title. That fact that she does not do so is impressive and it benefits her storytelling. D’Annunzio, for those who are unfamiliar, was an Italian poet, playwright, and novelist who almost single-handedly led the Italians to war on the side of the Allies. The proto-fascist did it for glory, not for any noble reason. As a fervent nationalist, he was a precursor to Mussolini and actually made himself dictator (Duce) of Fiume (in Yugoslavia) for 15 months.
Hughes-Hallet chose to write on a series of non-chronological themes and events that shaped D’Annunzio. It is a puzzling look into the creation of a monster in a society that was rapidly going mad itself. If you’re interested in 20th century European politics, art, or the Great War you need to read this book. It can be found at Acorn.