Philip Morgan (1) (1948–)

More about the Italians than Mussolini, this is a terrific social and political history. Morgan writes perceptively about the connection between the fall of fascism and how it shaped Italy's post-war order. He also has intelligent things to say about the uses (and abuses) of historical memory.

I wrote a long review but goodreads ate it! Basically

Easily readable
Nice survey, covers important details of all fascist movements

- Doesn't cover WW2 at all, with only occasional references and a page of discussion
- Doesn't define fascism - confusing and ultimately concludes by rejecting every other theory and saying "I don't know"
- Presents evidence and then provides an interpretation that the evidence questions, often saying things like "it's obvious" or the like. Regularly criticises show more Marxist interpretations but doesn't provide convincing arguments. Refuses to consider the impact of establishment forces. Refuses to consider the ways in which it wasn't a renewal of society. Treats all fascisms as monolithic

= OK book that's useful but probably much better books that cover same out there. show less