Author
Gabriele D'Annunzio
1863-1938
Gabriele D'Annunzio (1863-1938) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Gabriele D'Annunzio
L'Innocente
"L'Innocente" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in 1892. It follows Tullio Hermil, a wealthy man whose constant infidelities have destroyed his marriage to the devoted Giuliana. When her near-fatal illness awakens his love, he realizes too late what he has lost. As Tullio desperately tries to reclaim their bond, a devastating secret emerges that will test the limits of forgiveness and plunge him into darkness. A psychological exploration of guilt, obsession, and moral collapse.
The Flame
"The Flame" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in the late 19th century. This literary work explores the relationship between the protagonist, Stelio Effrena, a passionate poet, and La Foscarina, a renowned tragic actress, as they navigate themes of art, beauty, and the intertwining of emotions against the backdrop of Venice. The narrative delves into the creative process and the search for inspiration, capturing the lure of the city and the complexities of desire. At the start of "The Flame," we are introduced to Stelio and La Foscarina during a moment of anticipation before a grand festival in Venice. She encourages him as he prepares to speak publicly, highlighting the power of the evening and the audience's expectations. The atmosphere is charged with art and emotion, stirring reflections on beauty and life, as the pair engage in an intimate dialogue. Stelio reveals his inner thoughts about the intoxicating influence of Venice, the meanings behind symbols like the pomegranate, and the duality of pleasure and suffering within the human experience, setting the stage for a poetic exploration that reflects D'Annunzio's fascination with existential and artistic themes.
Forse che sì forse che no
"Forse che sì forse che no" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel published in 1910. Set in the early world of aviation, it follows five bourgeois characters entangled in destructive passions. At its center is the violent love affair between Paolo Tarsis and Isabella Inghirami, complicated by her siblings' entanglements—including Vanina's unrequited love for Paolo and Aldo's dark secret. Betrayals and revelations spiral toward suicide attempts, madness, and tragedy, all intertwined with aerial competitions.
The Child of Pleasure
"The Child of Pleasure" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in 1889. Andrea Sperelli, a young Roman nobleman and aesthete, lives for art and the pursuit of pleasure. He finds himself caught between two women who represent opposing ideals: Elena Muti, a mysterious femme fatale, and Maria Ferres, pure and fragile. As Andrea attempts to possess both, his "double game" leads him toward inevitable ruin in this cornerstone work of Italian Decadentism.
The Triumph of Death
"The Triumph of Death" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel belonging to "The Romances of the Rose" cycle. Set in the Abruzzo region, it follows Giorgio Aurispa, a noble aesthete consumed by obsession with his lover Ippolita. After witnessing a suicide and discovering his family's ruin, Giorgio retreats to the sea with Ippolita. But his growing paranoia and fixation on death lead him toward a desperate and fatal decision on a seaside cliff.
Le Novelle della Pescara
"Le Novelle della Pescara" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of short stories published in 1902. Set in the town of Pescara and its surrounding countryside, these tales depict impulsive, fierce characters driven by primal emotions. D'Annunzio explores the moods and energies unleashed during moments of revolt, focusing on psychological states rather than social grievances. The stories feature virgins, tragedies, and violent passions unfolding against the raw landscape of rural Italy.
Le vergini delle rocce
"Le vergini delle rocce" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in 1895. Claudio Cantelmo, the last descendant of a noble Roman family, rejects modern bourgeois society and seeks to father a superior heir who will restore aristocratic values and lead Italy to greatness. He travels to an isolated southern town where he encounters three noble sisters, each possessing unique virtues. Torn between them, Claudio must choose which will become the mother of his envisioned superman.
Tales of My Native Town
"Tales of My Native Town" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of short stories that was likely written in the early 20th century. Set in the picturesque town of Pescara, it immerses readers in the local culture, blending elements of realism and fantastic occurrences. The narratives often explore themes of passion, heroism, and tragedy through the lives of the characters, such as the titular Turlendana and other vivid personalities that populate the stories. At the start of the book, we encounter a vibrant celebration in Mascalico, where the townsfolk are honoring their Patron Saint, Gonselvo. Amidst the festivities, L’Ummalido suffers a terrible injury while helping to carry the statue of the saint, symbolizing the sacrifices of the community. As his companions argue over his position after the accident, L’Ummalido’s determination to fulfill his duty reflects the profound connection between the individuals and their cultural traditions. This opening scene not only sets the tone for the book's exploration of local life but also introduces the reader to the mixture of beauty and raw humanity that D'Annunzio captures in his tales.
Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien
"Le Martyre de Saint Sébastien" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a five-act musical mystery play written in 1911, with incidental music by Claude Debussy. The work follows Saint Sebastian through five symbolic scenes, from dancing on hot embers as lilies emerge, to confronting false gods and an infatuated emperor, to his ultimate martyrdom by arrows in Apollo's laurel grove. Designed as a vehicle for dancer Ida Rubinstein, the premiere sparked scandal when the Archbishop of Paris urged Catholics to boycott the production.
La fiaccola sotto il moggio
"La fiaccola sotto il moggio" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a tragedy written in 1905. Set in an Abruzzo castle during the 1820s, the play follows the disintegration of the noble Di Sangro family. Count Tibaldo has abandoned his wife Monica and daughter Gigliola for Angizia, a cunning sorceress who manipulates the household with poison and dark arts. As family members succumb to physical ailments and moral corruption, the disinherited Gigliola discovers terrible secrets and plots revenge, unaware that fate has already sealed everyone's doom in this tale of ancient curses and tragic destiny.
The Intruder
"The Intruder" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Tullio Hermil, a man grappling with his complex and tumultuous relationship with his wife, Juliana, marked by betrayal, infidelity, and an unsettling desire for both freedom and connection. It delves into themes of love, guilt, and the duality of human emotions, inviting readers to explore the depths of personal and romantic conflict." "The opening of "The Intruder" introduces Tullio Hermil as he reflects on his turbulent life and the secret he carries—a crime he cannot fully comprehend. We are thrown into his thoughts during a particularly introspective moment as he examines his past infidelities and the emotional toll it has taken on his wife, Juliana. As Tullio navigates through memories of both affection and regret, we see hints of his profound egotism and the destructive nature of his desires—a tension builds as he wrestles with questions of fidelity, identity, and the possible repercussions of his actions. This sets the stage for a deeply psychological exploration of love and loss, suggesting that the narrative will unfold around the conflict between his passions and the obligations he feels toward his wife."
San Pantaleone
"San Pantaleone" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of novellas published in 1886. Set in nineteenth-century Abruzzo, these seventeen stories explore the fierce, passionate world of rural Italian villagers and shepherds. D'Annunzio portrays their violent confrontations, religious fanaticism, and superstitions through a veristic lens. The tales depict brutal conflicts between religious confraternities, miraculous visions, and the harsh realities of peasant life, capturing the savage and animalistic nature of lower-class Abruzzese society during festivals, tragedies, and natural disasters.
Contemplazione della morte
"Contemplazione della morte" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of four prose pieces published in 1912. Originally appearing in the Corriere della Sera, these memorialistic writings commemorate two important figures in D'Annunzio's life: poet Giovanni Pascoli and Adolphe Bermond, owner of the villa where D'Annunzio stayed in France. The work explores themes of friendship, faith, mortality, and memory as the author reflects on their deaths and the profound impact they had on him.
The Virgins of the Rocks
"The Virgins of the Rocks" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel published in 1895. Written after D'Annunzio encountered Nietzsche's philosophy, the novel centers on a protagonist modeled after the Übermensch concept. Originally intended as the first book of an unfinished trilogy, it explores themes of paternity and superiority through a first-person narrator who remains curiously undefined. The work represents D'Annunzio's philosophical manifesto, blending Nietzschean ideals with his distinctive literary style in what would become his most politically charged fiction.
La vita di Cola di Rienzo
"La vita di Cola di Rienzo" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the life of Cola di Rienzo, a notable figure from the medieval period known for his attempt to revive the power of the Roman Senate and restore Rome to its former grandeur. Through a rich narrative that intertwines personal traits with historical context, D'Annunzio presents a complex character in Rienzo, offering readers an immersive glimpse into the ambitions and struggles of the era. The opening of the text sets the tone with a prologue by the author, reflecting on the nature of biography and the distinction between historical figures celebrated for their deeds and lesser-known individuals who similarly shaped the fabric of society. D'Annunzio draws comparisons between noteworthy personalities and the personal anecdotes that highlight the essence of character in biographical writing. With vivid descriptions and introspective commentary, he expresses the challenges and privileges involved in portraying historical complexities—capturing both the grandeur of public life and the unique traits of individuals like Cola di Rienzo, who sought transformation amid the turbulence of their times.
La Leda senza cigno
"La Leda senza cigno" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of beauty, desire, and human despair through the lens of its central characters, including the enigmatic Leda and her complex relationships. D'Annunzio masterfully intertwines lyrical prose with evocative imagery, creating a rich tapestry that invites readers to delve into the intricacies of art and emotion. The opening of the novel sets a contemplative tone as the narrator reflects on a conversation with Desiderio Moriar, an artist described with a captivating blend of sensuality and melancholy. The narrative reveals a world steeped in longing and introspection as the narrator contemplates themes of existence and artistic inspiration against a backdrop of nature and the passage of time. The prose is rich and vivid, capturing the atmosphere of a damp, deserted landscape while hinting at the inner turmoil of the characters, particularly as the narrator grapples with his feelings for Leda, who embodies both beauty and the burdens of her past. As the story unfolds, a sense of anticipation and intrigue builds around her character and the emotional web that connects them.
Il ferro
"Il ferro" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a drama in three acts written in the early 20th century. The play unfolds in a decaying Tuscan villa that evokes both splendor and melancholy, following characters caught in emotional turmoil and fraught familial relations. Central to the narrative are Mortella, a deeply introspective young woman grappling with her feelings towards her estranged mother and her stepfather, Gherardo Ismera, while navigating themes of memory, identity, and longing. At the start of the drama, the audience is introduced to a poignant scene as Mortella reflects on her life and sense of self in the context of her family's troubled past. As she converses with her companion, La Rondine, various themes of love, regret, and nostalgia are explored through their dialogue. This opening setting establishes a tense atmosphere as Mortella’s mental state appears fragile, hinting at her unresolved feelings about her familial bonds and the ominous presence of past grief. The arrival of Gherardo Ismera signals a significant turning point, revealing layers of pent-up emotions that set the stage for the unfolding drama.
Elegìe Romane
"Elegìe Romane" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a poetry collection published in 1892. Inspired by Goethe's Roman Elegies about his Italian journey, D'Annunzio frames his work with the German poet's verses. Composed between 1887 and 1892, these elegies are often read as a psychological diary tracing emotional states from exaltation to romantic weariness. Some scholars see them instead as exercises in Parnassian style, where personal experience becomes a pretext for rhythmic and semantic literary invention.
Più che l'amore: Tragedia moderna Preceduta da un discorso e accresciuta d'un preludio d'un intermezzo e d'un esodio.
"Più che l'amore: Tragedia moderna" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a modern tragedy written in the early 20th century. The work revolves around the complex emotional turmoil of its main characters, particularly Corrado Brando and Virginio Vesta, as they navigate themes of love, ambition, and existential struggle. The play offers a poignant exploration of the human condition, intertwined with D'Annunzio's rich poetic language and philosophical reflections. The opening of the tragedy sets the scene in a spacious room belonging to Virginio Vesta, an engineer, where he is engrossed in his work. Corrado Brando enters with a restless and impassioned demeanor, discussing the stark realities and shortcomings of life. Their exchange delves into ideas about the line between ambition and reality, the nature of true life, and the essence of existence itself. As they engage, themes of solitude, courage, and the aspirations of the spirit are revealed, framing a profound discussion that hints at the unfolding drama's emotional and philosophical depths.
Kuoleman riemuvoitto: Romaani
"Kuoleman riemuvoitto: Romaani" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores themes of love, despair, and existential reflections, focusing on the complex and tumultuous relationship between the main characters, Ippolita and Giorgio. As they navigate their emotions in the backdrop of their surroundings, the novel delves into the duality of life and death, love and loss. The opening of the novel sets a dark tone as it begins with a scene where Ippolita and Giorgio witness a crowd gathered around a shocking event—a possible suicide caught in the dreary air of March in Rome. This incident serves as a precursor to the emotional turbulence that follows, foreshadowing the struggles they will face in their relationship. As they walk through this somber atmosphere, their conversation reveals an underlying tension, with both characters expressing concerns about fading love and the haunting specter of death. The scene captures the fragility of their bond against the backdrop of mortality, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their feelings as they grapple with desires, insecurities, and the weight of their past experiences.
L'allegoria dell'autunno: Omaggio offerto a Venezia da Gabriele D'Annunzio
"L'allegoria dell'autunno: Omaggio offerto a Venezia da Gabriele D'Annunzio" is a poetic work written in the late 19th century. This text is a lyrical homage to the city of Venice and the thematic representation of autumn, capturing the relationship between nature and the artistic spirit of the city. The essence of the book revolves around the profound beauty and the sensory experiences evoked by the autumn season as it intertwines with the cityscape and its artistic legacy. The poem unfolds through vivid imagery and rich symbolism, exploring the intimate connection between Venice and autumn. D'Annunzio personifies autumn as a deity, portraying a grand procession of youthful archers embodying strength and beauty, and reflecting on the transient nature of life and beauty. The narrative captures moments of blissful anticipation, depicting how the city, in its art and architecture, mirrors the alluring yet melancholic essence of autumn. As the poem progresses, it expresses a deep yearning for artistic and aesthetic fulfillment, emphasizing the overlapping themes of life, joy, sorrow, and the eternal quest for beauty that transcends time.
The daughter of Jorio : $b A pastoral tragedy
The Daughter of Jorio: A Pastoral Tragedy by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a verse pastoral tragedy written in the early 20th century. Set among the archaic customs of the Abruzzi, it centers on the shepherd-artist Aligi and the persecuted Mila di Codra, whose encounter tests clan loyalties, religious rites, and the sanctity of the hearth. The work blends folk belief, ritual, and lyric speech to explore love, honor, and communal judgment within a harsh pastoral world. The opening of the play frames its world through an introduction that situates the action in the Abruzzi, explains the folk rites (marriage, mourning, sanctuary at the hearth), and highlights the drama’s flexible, musical verse. Act I unfolds during Aligi’s espousal rites: his mother Candia and sisters conduct the traditional ceremony when a hunted woman rushes in to claim sanctuary. The reapers outside name her as Mila di Codra, “the daughter of Jorio,” revile her as an outcast, and demand she be handed over; the women waver, and Aligi at first tries to expel her. When Mila invokes the sacred fireplace and Aligi envisions her guardian angel weeping, he repents, places a blessed cross on the threshold, and sends the reapers away in peace, just as his father Lazaro returns wounded. At the start of Act II the scene shifts to Aligi’s mountain cave, where he carves an angel in walnut wood while Mila sits nearby and other mountain folk doze, signaling a new, quieter phase after the village tumult.
La Gioconda
"La Gioconda" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a tragedy written in the early 20th century. The play is set against the backdrop of Florence and features a cast of characters that includes Lucio Settala, Silvia Settala, and Lorenzo Gaddi, delving into themes of love, artistry, and the haunting past. The narrative revolves around Lucio, an artist recovering from a life-threatening incident, and the relationships entangled with his past and present, particularly concerning a figure named Gioconda. At the start of the tragedy, the stage is meticulously described, suggesting an atmosphere of harmony and deep emotional undercurrents. The opening scene introduces Silvia Settala and Lorenzo Gaddi, who discuss Lucio’s recovery and their hopes for his return to creativity, reflecting on the impact of his traumatic experiences. Silvia grapples with her emotions as Lucio begins to reawaken to life and art, hinting at the unresolved tensions with Gioconda, a past lover who continues to hold power over him. The prologue of interactions sets the tone for dramatic confrontations and emotional struggles that will unfold, indicating an inevitable clash between love, memory, and artistic aspiration.
Isaotta Guttadàuro ed altre poesie
"Isaotta Guttadàuro ed altre poesie" by Gabriele D'Annunzio is a collection of poetry written in the late 19th century. The work explores themes of beauty, love, and nature, centering around the character Isaotta Guttadàuro, who embodies the ideal of feminine allure, surrounded by a rich tapestry of historical and mythological references. Through its lyrical verses, the collection delves into the emotional landscape of desire and yearning. At the start of the volume, the reader is introduced to a vibrant and opulent scene featuring Lucrezia Borgia amidst a grand celebration. The poems that follow reflect on Isaotta's enchanting beauty and the devotion of her admirers as they invoke the imagery of nature and classical mythology. The language is rich and evocative, describing Isaotta in various settings and interactions, wherein the speaker expresses longing and appreciation for her grace. The opening portion sets the tone for a deeply romantic exploration of love and idealized beauty, presenting a world that is ornate and alive with emotion.