Curzio Malaparte

Italian novelist and journalist who is most famous for his book "Coup d' Etat, the Technique of Revolution," which was published in English in 1932. From the age of 16, as a soldier-patriot he took part in military action in Italy and abroad, fighting on French, Finnish and Russian fronts throughout his lifetime. He was a member of the Republican party until 1921, at which time he joined the Fascist Party. After the publishing of "Coup d'Etat" he was accused of anti-fascist activity and sentenced to five years in prison.

After World War II, his two war novels, "Kaputt," and "La Pelle" ("The Skin"; 1949) earned him international recognition. "The Skin" was forbidden to Catholics by the Church.

He had moved to Paris in 1947 and wrote several dramas. Prior to his death, he converted to the Catholic religion. Malaparte died on 19 July 1957, Rome, Italy.