Description:
This readable and witty biography focuses both on Mussolini's personality and on the way he exercised power, and regards these two issues as closely linked. It sees him as a man with all the talents needed to attain power but few of those needed to exercise it well. This book primarily focuses on how Mussolini had absolutely the wrong personality for a successful political leader.
Suitable for undergraduates studying Modern European History, World War Two, Nationalism or Twentieth Century Italy.
Review Quotes:
'...a highly readable account, packed with information, full of references to present-day politics and with a fair number of light-hearted asides to the reader. Clark is a master of the moderating synthesis and has no place for moral outrage.'
Paul Corner, Journal of Modern Italian Studies 2006