A History of Fascism, 1914-45 - Tapa dura

""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 "Anyone seeking a guide to thinking about the history and essential characteristics of fascism could do no better than read Stanley G. Payne's invaluable book, "A History of Fascism, 1914-1945," which is likely to be the definitive study of its subject for a considerable time."--John Gray, "The 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" Likely to be the definitive study of its subject for a considerable time. "New York Times Book Review"" "Likely to be the definitive study of its subject for a considerable time."--"New York Times Book Review"

This is the first full history of fascism - as a force and as a phenomenon - in Europe and elsewhere between the world wars. This history encompasses all the major fascist movements, as well as other forms of authoritarian nationalism, and provides in-depth analyses of these movements, the interpretative problems they pose, and previous interpretations of them. Written by the premier historian of modern Spain and a renowned authority on fascism, it should be the ultimate resource for those who wish to comprehend fascism in its historical guise and understand its seeming resurgence today. Stanley G. Payne interprets fascism as a form of revolutionary ultranationalism - a programme for national rebirth based on a primarily vitalist philosophy, extreme elitism, mass mobilisation, the promotion of violence, and military virtues. He traces this phenomenon through the history of ideas, previous political movements and the events of World War I. Though his focus is chiefly on Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, he also gives detailed attention to the Romanian Iron Guard, Franco's Spain, Japan and proto-fascist movements around the globe. Payne examines the role of violence in fascism and explores the reasons for both the limits of fascism's appeal and the historical transcendence of the "fascist era". His inclusion of other forms of authoritarian nationalism lays a foundation for comparative analysis and leads to a broader definition of authoritarianism. In a view of widespread speculation about the return of fascism to Europe and the Afro-Asian world, this work is especially timely. However, Payne presents a powerful case for viewing fasism as a unique "epochal phenomenon". Conversely, he treats significant individual features of fascism as inherent aspects of revolutionary movements and nationalist dictatorships, with every likelihood of reappearing in new and different forms.