The Anatomy of Fascism (Allen Lane History S.) - Hardcover

Paxton, Robert O.

4.2

3,926 ratings by Goodreads

9780713997200: The Anatomy of Fascism (Allen Lane History S.)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0713997206 ISBN 13: 9780713997200

Publisher: Allen Lane, 2004

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What is fascism? How can we define and comprehend it? Is it a political philosophy, a political movement, a way of life? What makes states and nations become fascist? Fascism was the major political innovation of the twentieth century and the source of much of its pain. This authoritative book, by one of America's most distinguished historians, shows that we cannot begin to understand fascism by attempting to define it in the abstract, but must look at it in action - at what it did, as much as what it said it was about.

In a magnificent analytical narrative, Paxton addresses the single most important question about fascism which has not until now been answered: why did Italy and Germany cultivate fascist movements which became elected governments while France and others did not? In searching for the solution, Paxton explores fascism in all its complexity.

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Review:

"So fair, so thorough and, in the end, so convincing, it may well become the most authoritative . . . study of the subject. . . . A splendid book." -The New York Times Book Review

"Useful and timely. . . . Mussolini and Hitler were the prototypical fascist leaders, and Paxton chronicles their rise to power--and their global influence and ultimate fall--with a brilliant economy." -San Francisco Chronicle

"A deeply intelligent and very readable book. . . . Historical analysis at its best." -The Economist
"[A] helpful contribution, thoughtfully mapping out the descent of a civilized people -- first the Italians, then the Germans -- into a primal state (and state of being) ruled by mythology, symbol and emotion. . . . Serves as a reminder of our power and responsibility." -The Washington Post Book World

"Until now there has been no satisfying account of fascism that includes a convincing diagnostic kit for identifying its symptoms. . . . Robert Paxton steps in to restore sanity, with his view that fascism is not what was believed but what was done." -Los Angeles Times Book Review

Synopsis:

What is Fascism? How can we comprehend it? Fascism was a major political innovation of the 20th centiry and the source of much of its pain. This book shows that we cannot understand the phenomenon in the abstract, but only in terms of its actions.

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