A History of Fascism, 1914–1945

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What to expect

Focusing mostly on Italy and Germany but also considering Spain, Romania, Japan, and movements in other countries, Payne (history, U. of Wisconsin) describes fascism as revolutionary ultranationalism based on national rebirth, extreme elitism, mass mobilization, and the promotion of violence and military virtues. He also suggests that the early Russian communists borrowed many techniques from fascism, and that though we are fairly well inoculated against fascism itself, the values it represents could still emerge in new forms.

Critics Review

  • “Likely to be the definitive study of its subject for a considerable time.”

    New York Times Book Review
  • “A magisterial, wholly accessible, engaging study…Payne defines fascism as a form of ultranationalism espousing a myth of national rebirth and marked by extreme elitism, mobilization of the masses, exaltation of hierarchy and subordination, oppression of women, and an embrace of violence and war as virtues.”

    Publishers Weekly
  • A History of Fascism is an invaluable sourcebook, offering a rare combination of detailed information and thoughtful analysis. It is a masterpiece of comparative history, for the comparisons enhance our understanding of each part of the whole. The term ‘fascist,’ used so freely these days as a pejorative epithet that has nearly lost its meaning, is precisely defined, carefully applied, and skillfully explained. The analysis effectively restores the dimension of evil.”

    Susan Zuccotti, The Nation

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