1863-1938. Italian poet, novelist, and playwright.
Marking a departure from 19th-century Italian
literary traditions, his use of language and
style of writing earned him much criticism in
his own time. His first volume of poetry,
Primo vere/In Early Spring 1879, was followed
by further collections of verse, short
stories, novels, and plays (he wrote the play
La Gioconda for the actress Eleonora Duse in
1898). After serving in World War I, he led
an expedition of volunteers in 1919 to
capture Fiume, which he held until 1921. He
became a national hero, and was created
Prince of Montenevoso in 1924. Influenced by
Nietzsche's writings, he later became an
ardent exponent of Fascism.