The Innocent

by Gabriele d'Annunzio, Arthur Hornblow (Translator)

A gripping tale of psychological suspense. A confessional novel of a terrible crime.

“It is then quite true that certain germs of hate are dissimulated at the bottom of every sentiment which unites two human creatures; that is to say, which connects two egoisms? It is then quite true that these germs of inevitable hate disturb our most affectionate moments, our best impulses? All there is beautiful in the soul bears in itself a latent germ of corruption, is condemned to become corrupted.” - from The Innocent

“The Innocent is one of the most intricately nuanced of all the great psychological novels. It is also d’Annunzio’s most compelling piece of story-telling.” - Lucy Hughes-Hallett, Gabriele D’ Poet, Seducer and Preacher of War

300 pages, Paperback

Published May 5, 2023

About the author

Gabriele D'Annunzio, Prince of Montenevoso (12 March 1863 – 1 March 1938), was an Italian poet, playwright, orator, journalist, aristocrat, and army officer during World War I. He occupied a prominent place in Italian literature from 1889 to 1910 and later political life from 1914 to 1924. He was often referred to under the epithets Il Vate ("the Poet") or Il Profeta ("the Prophet").

D'Annunzio combined in his work naturalism, symbolism, and erotic images, becoming the best interpreter of European Decadence in post-Risorgimento Italy.

His love affairs, relationship with the world-famous actress Eleanora Duse, heroic adventures during World War I, and his occupation of Fiume in 1919 made him a legend in his own time.