The Poet and the Dictator: Lauro de Bosis Resists Fascism in Italy and America

(Hardback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

This vivid biography is a study of the life and times of the Italian poet-activist, Lauro de Bosis. Remarkably productive as a poet, cultural diplomat, and political subversive, de Bosis founded and lead an underground resistance group, the National Alliance for Liberty. His actions culminated in a dramatic solo flight over Rome in October 1931, showering the city from his small plane with protest leaflets against the Fascist dictatorship before plunging to his death. This feat brought world attention to the existence of anti-Fascism, much to Mussolini's chagrin and rage. This is the first biography of a young, gifted Italian poet who dared to challenge the power of a totalitarian state, and used his practical idealism and fierce determination to protect Italy's fragile democracy from il Duce.

Reviews

"It's unlikely that de Bosis will find a more sympathetic or perceptive biographer. The range of research is impressive, and I found myself muttering "brava" time and again as the book made its way surefootedly through perilous areas of Italian and American history."-Robert Whol author A Passion for Wings
"Jean Mudge recounts a fascinating story that partakes of both Romantic adventure and tough political resistance. She pays attention to de Bosis's intellectual and family background as well as to his work as poet and translator. Above all, her work splendidly reconstructs, drawing on hitherto unread material, his political development from initial fascist sympathies to a growingly anti-Mussolinian position."-Piero Boitani University of Rome "La Sapienza." 2001 Lauro de Bosis Lecturer Harvard University
"A biography of the Italian poet and liberal intellectual (born 1901) who in October 1931 flew a solo flight over Rome, showering the city with anit-Fascist leaflets before plunging to his death;draws on previously untapped archives."-The Chronicle of Higher Education
"The Poet and Dictator can be read on two levels: first, as the only full-length biography of an excepttionally talented and complex individual; second, as a case study of the response to Facism in the 1920's of a certain segment of Italian society....[a] most worthwhile and commendable work."-The International History Review
A biography of the Italian poet and liberal intellectual (born 1901) who in October 1931 flew a solo flight over Rome, showering the city with anit-Fascist leaflets before plunging to his death;draws on previously untapped archives.-The Chronicle of Higher Education
The Poet and Dictator can be read on two levels: first, as the only full-length biography of an excepttionally talented and complex individual; second, as a case study of the response to Facism in the 1920's of a certain segment of Italian society....[a] most worthwhile and commendable work.-The International History Review

Author Bio

Jean Mudge is an independent scholar and documentary film maker. This is her fourth book.