Books matching: fascism in italy
11 result(s)
- #1
'The Pike' by Lucy Hughes-Hallett is a detailed biography of Gabriele D'Annunzio, a complex and controversial figure known for his promiscuity, drug use, and involvement in the development of fascism in Italy. The narrative delves into D'Annunzio's life, from his reckless and adventurous nature to his influence on Mussolini and Italian history. The author's writing style combines scholarly research with engaging prose, providing a close character study of a repulsive yet fascinating individual.
- #2
The book follows Yambo, a rare book dealer who wakes up with amnesia, unable to remember his own life but can recall every book he's ever read. He embarks on a journey to reconstruct his memories by delving into his childhood books, records, and drawings, exploring Italian life during the 1930s and 1940s. The narrative intertwines Yambo's personal quest for identity with historical events and cultural artifacts, creating a rich tapestry of memories and self-discovery. The writing style is described as detailed, meandering, and at times overwhelming with extensive references to literature and cultural elements, while also incorporating illustrations to enhance the storytelling experience.
I felt as if I had awoke from a long sleep, and yet I was still suspended in a milky gray. Or else I was not awake, but dreaming. It was a strange dream, void of images, crowded with sounds. As if I c... - #3
'The Nature of Fascism' by Roger Griffin delves into the intricate ideology of fascism, exploring its historical roots and manifestations across different regions. The author introduces the concept of a 'fascist minimum' model to define the core elements of this political movement, shedding light on how figures like Mussolini and Hitler came to power and the societal repercussions that followed. Griffin's analysis extends beyond European fascism, examining non-European and post-war variations to showcase the diverse and adaptable nature of this ideology. Through a scholarly lens, the book navigates the palingenetic myth of renewal that underpins fascism, offering a comprehensive understanding of its populist ultra-nationalistic essence.
- #4
Set in Italy during the end of World War II, "The Girl from Venice" by Martin Cruz Smith is a historical thriller that follows the protagonist, Cenzo, a fisherman who discovers a young Jewish refugee named Giulia hiding from the Nazis. As their fates become intertwined, Cenzo falls in love with Giulia, leading them on a journey from a sleepy fishing village to Venice, Salo, and Switzerland. The novel captures the disintegrating fascist state in Italy as the Allies advance, showcasing a mix of romance, suspense, and historical context.
The narrative delves into the complexities of wartime Italy, highlighting the struggles of the characters against a backdrop of political turmoil and personal dilemmas. Through the eyes of Cenzo and Giulia, the story explores themes of love, resistance, collaboration, and survival amidst the atrocities of World War II. The writing style is praised for its blend of heartwarming romance, well-crafted characters, and insights into the historical period, making it a compelling and engaging read.
Without a moon, small islands disappeared and Venice sank into the dark. Stars, however, were so brilliant that Cenzo felt drawn to them, even as mud oozed between his toes. The faint report of church... - #5
A Family Lexicon by Jenny McPhee, Peg Boyers, Natalia Ginzburg is a memoir that vividly portrays the life of the Levi family in Italy during the rise of Fascism and World War II. The book focuses on the details of family life, using family sayings to bring back the rhythm of daily life and capture the exceptional events that unfolded during that tumultuous period. The writing style is warm and friendly, with great humor and well-described characters that provide a glimpse into Italian literary and leftist politics from the 1940s to the 1970s.
In addition to the “nitwits,” there were also the “negroes.” For my father, a “negro” was someone who was awkward, clumsy, and faint-hearted; someone who dressed inappropriately, didn’t know how to hi... - #6
Robert O. Paxton's 'The Anatomy of Fascism' is a slim, eminently readable work that delves into the political philosophical question of what fascism truly is. Paxton meticulously examines fascist movements in Europe and beyond, identifying the tropes and similitudes that characterize a fascist movement in action. Through a scholarly and highly perceptive analysis, the book traces the origins of fascism from its roots in the nineteenth century to its manifestation in Italy and Germany from 1919 to 1945. Paxton's writing style is accessible to both academic and non-academic readers, eschewing theoretical language in favor of a cautionary analysis supported by eminent authorities.
Fascism was the major political innovation of the twentieth century, and the source of much of its pain. The other major currents of modern Western political culture—conservatism, liberalism, socialis... The White War: Life and Death on the Italian Front 1915-1919 by Mark Thompson is a comprehensive history of the Italian Front during World War I. The book covers the brutal battles, the political dynamics, and the aftermath of the conflict, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of the Great War. Thompson's writing style weaves together narratives of individual soldiers, descriptions of battlefields, and insights into the key leaders involved, providing a detailed account of the war's impact on Italy as a nation.
Europe before the First World War was rackety and murderous, closer in its statecraft to the Middle East or central Asia than today’s docile continent, where inter-state affairs filter through committ...- #8
'My Autobiography' by Benito Mussolini provides a glimpse into the life and rise to power of the Italian dictator. It delves into Mussolini's early years, his political ideologies, and his role in the establishment of Fascism in Italy. The narrative sheds light on his motivations, decision-making process, and the impact of key events such as World War I on his leadership style. Through Mussolini's own words, readers are presented with a mix of personal anecdotes, political strategies, and reflections on his legacy.
'That Awful Mess on the Via Merulana' by Carlo Emilio Gadda is a challenging yet rewarding read, blending elements of a murder mystery with complex, chaotic storytelling. The book delves into the intricacies of Italian society, showcasing a wide array of characters from nobility to the Roman low life, all intertwined in a web of lies and deception. Gadda's prose is described as unconventional and messy, taking unexpected recursive dives into character descriptions and settings, creating a unique reading experience that demands attention and engagement.
The plot of the novel revolves around a murder mystery set in Fascist Italy, with the crime serving as a pretext for eccentric ruminations and historical retributions against Italian fascism. Gadda's writing style is likened to Joyce's 'Ulysses,' with intricate, labyrinthine sentences that challenge readers but also offer moments of humor and insight. The narrative is fragmented, exploring various characters and locations to portray the complexities of urban and rural Italian life, leaving readers intrigued and wanting more.
EVERYBODY called him Don Ciccio by now. He was Officer Francesco Ingravallo, assigned to homicide; one of the youngest and, God knows why, most envied officials of the detective section: ubiquitous as...- #10
Kevin Passmore's 'Fascism: A Very Short Introduction' delves into the intricate and multifaceted nature of fascism, emphasizing the difficulty in providing a concise definition. The book explores the historical context of fascism by examining various political parties and movements labeled as fascist, showcasing the differences in goals, methods, and composition among them. Passmore meticulously dissects the characteristics of fascism, such as ultranationalism, racism, charismatic leadership, anti-constitutionalism, and the presence of paramilitary groups, while also discussing its relations to race, class, and gender.
Passmore's writing style in 'Fascism: A Very Short Introduction' is dense yet informative, offering a comprehensive overview of fascism's evolution across different countries and time periods. The book challenges traditional notions of fascism by presenting it as a complex and contested ideology, intertwined with themes of race, gender, and class. Despite its brevity, Passmore's exploration of fascism provides readers with a nuanced understanding of the subject, urging them to critically analyze the historical and contemporary manifestations of this political phenomenon.
In the late 19th century, the saltworks of Mediterranean France were largely unmechanized, and the task of lifting salt was an exceptionally exhausting form of labour. Under the blazing August sun, wo...