The Flame

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The Flame (1900) is a novel by Gabriele DAnnunzio. Inspired by the authors interpretation of the work of Friedrich Nietzsche and Walter Pater, The Flame is a semi-autobiographical account of the end of DAnnunzios relationship with famed actress Eleonora Dusa. Considered a central text of Italian Decadentism, the novel has earned comparisons to the work of Oscar Wilde and Joris-Karl Huysmans. With an all-comprehensive glance, she looked around at all the beauty of this last twilight of September. In the dark wells of her eyes were reflected the circles of light made by the oar as it flashed in the water, which was illuminated by the glittering angels that shone from afar on the campaniles of San Marco and San Giorgio Maggiore. Venice, a symbol of the Renaissance, is changing. The churches and canals of old remain, but an era of cultural achievement is coming to a close. As the public anticipates the death of legendary composer Richard Wagner, who has taken to his deathbed at the palace of Ca Vendramin Calergi, Stelio Effrena dreams of establishing his reputation as one of Italys greatest poets. Filled with theories of art and philosophies of life, possessing an undeniable mastery of language, he nevertheless feels uninspired by his muse, the aging actress La Foscarina. Meditative and introspective, The Flame has attracted praise for its portrayal of nineteenth century Venice, a city seemingly lost in time. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Gabriele DAnnunzios The Flame is a classic work of Italian literature reimagined for modern readers.

Author Bio

Gabriele DAnnunzio (1863-1938) was an Italian poet, playwright, soldier, and political figure. Born in Pescara, Abruzzo, DAnnunzio was the son of the mayor, a wealthy landowner. He published his first book of poems at sixteen, launching his career as a leading Italian artist of his time. In 1891, he published his first novel, A Child of Pleasure, followed by Giovanni Episcopo (1891) and Linnocente (1892), which earned him a reputation among leading European critics as a member of the Italian avant-garde. By the end of the nineteenth century, he turned his efforts to writing for the stage with such tragedies as La Gioconda (1899) and Francesca da Rimini (1902). Radicalized during the First World War, DAnnunzio used his experience as a decorated fighter pilot to spread his increasingly nationalist ideology. In 1919, he spearheaded the takeover of the city of Fiume, which had been ceded at the Paris Peace Conference. As the leader of the Italian Regency of Carnaro, he sought to establish an independent authoritarian state and to support other separatist movements around the globe, but was forced to surrender to Italy in December 1920. Despite his failure, DAnnunzio inspired Mussolinis National Fascist Party, which built on the violent tactics and corporatist system advocated by the poet and his allies. Toward the end of his life, DAnnunzio was named Prince of Montenevoso by King Victor Emmanuel III and served as the president of the Royal Academy of Italy.