Cette série de romans plonge dans l'atmosphère décadente de la fin du XIXe et du début du XXe siècle, explorant le vide de la société aristocratique et la crise de ses valeurs. Les récits se concentrent sur des esthètes et des artistes raffinés qui s'efforcent de vivre leur vie comme des œuvres d'art au milieu de la décadence de leur monde. Attendez-vous à des liaisons amoureuses complexes, une recherche stérile du plaisir et l'affrontement avec la société de masse émergente. Elle offre un aperçu captivant de la désintégration des idéaux de beauté et de l'essor de la modernité axée sur le profit.
Like Oscar Wilde's Dorian Gray, Andrea Sperelli lives his life as a work of art, seeking beauty and flouting the rules of morality and social interaction along the way. In his aristocratic circles in Rome, he is a serial seducer. But there are two women who command his special regard: the young widow Elena, and the pure, virgin-like Maria.
The author highlights the exceptional natural talents of three prominent nineteenth-century writers: D'Annunzio, Kipling, and Tolstoy. Each of these literary figures is noted for their unique contributions to literature, showcasing a range of styles and themes that have left a lasting impact on the literary world. The discussion emphasizes their artistic abilities and the significance of their works in shaping literary traditions.
Exploring themes of beauty and despair, the novel follows Giorgio Aurispa after he witnesses a suicide, prompting his return to his family's estate. Confronted by his father's moral decay and the weight of familial responsibilities, Giorgio grapples with his past and his relationship with Ippolita. Set against the backdrop of the Italian bourgeoisie, the story delves into his struggle to reclaim a sense of beauty amidst gloom and paranoia. This work is a significant text in Italian Decadentism, echoing influences from Nietzsche and Pater.