As has so often happened since, America led the way in introducing into the English language a writer who is one of the foremost figures in Continental European literature.
In order to realize the sensation which Gabriele d'Annunzio created, it is necessary to glance back at the opinions of some of his early champions in foreign countries.

Ouida claims, I think rightly, that her article in the _Fortnightly Review_, which was reprinted in her "Critical Studies," was the first account in English of the author and his work.

In the main, although besprinkled with moral asides, it is, with one exception, as good an essay as any that has since been written on the subject.

Ouida was sure that the wickedness of d'Annunzio was such that the only work of his which will become known to the English public in general will be the _Vergini delle Rocce_, because "(as far as it has gone) it is not indecent.

The other works could not be reproduced in English." In proof of her contentions Ouida disclosed the fact that the French versions of the trilogy, "The Child of Pleasure," "The Victim," and "The Triumph of Death," were bowdlerized.