Europe’s only real revolutionary?

Buondì.

If you saw Monday’s free Summer Series article, you’ll already have heard of Gabriele D’Annunzio, who that article describes as a “patriota e nazionalista … che a quel tempo è il poeta più famoso (e scandaloso) d’Italia”.

That article would have given you an idea of what he was capable of – invading someone else’s country! Russian revolutionary leader Lenin apparently said that D’Annunzio was “L’unico vero rivoluzionario d’Europa” – Europe’s only real revolutionary – which must have maddened other figures on the extreme left (of which more in future episodes…)

D’Annunzio was a poet, a pilot, a revolutionary, a Don Giovanni, but above all, a self-publicist. Our article recounts that, at the age of sixteen, he had spread the word of his own death to promote his first book of poems. And that, as an older man, he published details of his on-going relationship with a well-known actress.

Today we have a whole article about him, because of the salacious details, but more importantly because – with his escapades and flair for publicity – he opened the door to what was to come.

Mussolini was a fan, apparently, and asked for D’Annunzio’s support for the new political movement of fascism. Though by that point the famous poet, adventurer and lover was old and half-blind, so ready to step out of the limelight. Guess who took his place?

Episodio 14. L’incredibile ed estroso Gabriele D’Annunzio

The previous thirteen episodes in this series can be found on our History page. Scroll right down to the end to find them.

A venerdì.

P.S. Half-price eBook of the Week: Tosca (B1)

Don’t forget this week’s ‘Half-price eBook of the Week’ offer, Tosca, an intermediate-level ‘easy reader’ (with online audio).

This one simplifies the story of Puccini’s famous opera – the idea being to provide learners of Italian with ‘graded’ Italian reading/listening practice, and also to encourage people to give the opera a try.

The ebook comes in .pdf format (the default download), with .epub & .mobi formats available on request at no extra charge.

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Giacomo Puccini’s famous opera, first performed in Rome in 1900, is here simplifed for learners of Italian (with quotes from the actual libretto!)

It’s 1800. The Austrians and the French have been fighting over the Italian peninsula for most of the previous century but the French have lost a vital battle and their supporters are imprisoned or killed. One of them, Cesare, escapes and flees to a church where his aristocratic sister is influential. She’ll hide him and help him to safety. Concealing himself in a chapel, he encounters artist Mario, an old friend hired to paint the Virgin Mary. But wait, someone is coming! Cesare hides and in comes famous singer Tosca, Mario’s beautiful but jealous lover…

Begin with this ‘easy reader’ ebook before watching the actual opera, or simply use this original Italian reading/listening practice material to add a little variety to your study program.

.pdf e-book (+ audio available free online)
.mobi (Kindle-compatible) and .epub (other ebook readers) available on request at no extra charge – just add a note to the order form or email us
8 chapters (based on Puccini’s Act/Scene structure) to read and listen to
Comprehension questions to check your understanding
Italian/English glossary of ‘difficult’ terms for the level
Suitable for students at pre-intermediate level or above
Download your Free Sample Chapter (.pdf)

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This week Tosca is 50% discounted, so just £4.99 rather than the usual ‘easy reader’ ebook price of £9.99! The offer ends on Sunday 13th August 2023.

Buy Tosca, just £4.99 | FREE sample chapter (.pdf) | Opera ‘easy readers’ | Catalog

How do I access my ebook?

When your order is ‘completed’ (normally immediately after your payment), a download link will be automatically emailed to you. It’s valid for 7 days and 3 download attempts so please save a copy of the .pdf ebook in a safe place. Other versions of the ebook, where available, cannot be downloaded but will be emailed to people who request them. There’s a space to do that on the order form – where it says Additional information, Order notes (optional). If you forget, or if you have problems downloading the .pdf, don’t worry! Email us at the address on the website and we’ll help. Also, why not check out our FAQ?