In a much-acclaimed article published in Il bargello, Ardengo Sofci pompously proclaimed that "fascism is rural, hence it is an enemy of pan-industrialism as the mechanistic spirit that provokes brutalization, immorality, plutocratic corruption and people's slavery."¹ The same blending of populist drives and a deeply reactionary rationale can be found in one of the most intriguing figures of the Strapaese movement: Curzio Malaparte, who antifascist intellectual Piero Gobetti called "fascism's best pen." With Malaparte, not only do we encounter one of the most talented writers of this group but also we may appraise the canniness of the figure of the modern intellectual who strives to maintain his prominence under the regime. With varying levels of success, Malaparte was able to skillfully navigate the system, even from a frondist position, while continuing to elaborate on his philosophical and political theory.