He was wounded while serving as an ambulance driver in the Italian Army during WWII

Part of the reason why he got involved in the Spanish Civil War was his own desire for adventure. Yet, whatever it was that moved him as an eyewitness, his stories propelled him to literary fame.

His love of Hispanic culture included making friends with with Fidel Castro.

The move from provincial America to the Parisian cafe society made him put on a new hat, role-modelling the American artist gaining insights in the old world.

He had an airy study at his home in Key West, Florida.

He had a lifelong fascination for those who made brushes with danger their very livelihood.