Introduction. 1. The shaping of a political leader, 1883-1919 2. The achievement of power, 1919-24 3. Crisis and consolidation, 1924-29 4. The evolution of a fascist foreign policy 5. Italian society under Mussolini, 1931-396. The Ethiopian War, 1935-36. Into the abyss: foreign and defence policy, 1936-40 8. The slide to disaster, 1940-43 9. The last phase, 1943-45 Conclusion.
Biography
Peter Neville
Praise of the first edition:
'This thoroughly researched new appraisal of Mussolini offers a sympathetic, but very critical, assessment of this gifted, but fatally flawed icon of twentieth century history. This outstanding short study will be of inestimable value to the student and general reader alike'.
Andrew Crozier, Senior Lecturer and Jean Monnet Lecturer in the History of Contemporary Europe, Queen Mary, University of London
Praise of this edition:
"Peter Neville is well known as a thoroughly reliable historian of the pre-WW2 period in which he has a well-deserved reputation. He writes with authority and has the enviable knack of conveying complex issues in a clear and engaging manner. His Mussolini is no exception. Now in a second, revised edition, Dr Neville’s admirable book can be unhesitatingly recommended to schools and universities –and to the general reader-- as a concise, expert account. The narrative is as gripping as an adventure story."
Anthony Lentin, Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, UK
"Significant advantages are that the historical context is given ample attention - the book begins with a description of the formation of the state of Italy from the 1820s to the 1870s - and the argument is written smoothly."
Enne Koops, Historiek, 2020 (https://historiek.net/benito-mussolini-had-gigantisch-minderwaardigheidscomplex/51418/)
