The Other Italy: The Italian Resistance in World War II [Hardcover]

Maria De Blasio Wilhelm (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1988

This book traces the growth of the Resistance from its birth in 1943, against overwhelming odds, to its dramatic triumph two years later. A story of courage, sacrifice, and individual heroism--a noble episode in the history of a great people. Photographs.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The Italian resistance began as a spontaneous uprising against both Nazi occupiers and native fascists after Italy's unconditional surrender to the Allies on September 8, 1943. Unwilling to wait for the arrival of the Allied armies, civilians, often armed with little more than sticks and stones, protected industries, public works and art treasures while slightly better-equipped partisans hastened the retreat of the German army. Drawing on material gathered from archives in Italy as well as extensive interviews, Wilhelm pays particular attention to three resistance minorities: the Jews of Italy who, partly because of the support of the populace in general, played an aggressive role; the Catholic clergy who, ignoring the official neutrality of the Vatican, contributed significantly; and Italian women, who in addition to their patriotic commitment, were fighting for their own emancipation. As the author makes plain, the cost of the resistance was severe, but its achievements were an essential element in restoring Italian morale and self-confidence. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Offering a series of episodic events beginning in 1943, the author presents a gripping and, at times, deeply moving account of the Italian underground movement against the German invaders and their Italian Fascist allies. She bases her work on archival research and numerous personal interviews, ultimately chronicling the heroism of small groups of individuals. Such a methodology is plausible because the popular resistance was not an organized event but a spontaneous uprising fought at various local levels. A more scholarly analysis is C.F. Delzell's Mussolini's Enemies (1961), but as popular history this is highly recommended. W.F. Young, SUNY at Albany Lib.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1st edition (September 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393025683
• ISBN-13: 978-0393025682
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,571,317 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare account of the Italian partisans in WWII, July 14, 1999

By 

philly-elf "philly-elf" (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Other Italy: The Italian Resistance in World War II (Hardcover)

I found this book in the villa library, the last evening of my recent Italian vacation. The historical and anecdotical account of Italian partisans actions isn't covered in other WWII books as in this one. Numerous accounts of courageous partisan acts are documented. Especially gripping are accounts of the brave children of Naples "scunizzi" assisting partisans at the resistance barricades, rooftops and alleys. Many of the stories are from the partisans themselves or family accounts. The book style is a straight forward report of the period and politics from the rise and fall of Mussolini, to the Nazi occupation force activities and final retreat, that all fueled the partisan movement. A fine book!

5.0 out of 5 stars great deal, July 3, 2010

By 

Ms B "Ms B" (California) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Other Italy: The Italian Resistance in World War II (Hardcover)

great deal - very interesting book which arrived in excellent shape. was pleasantly surprised by the good condition as it's an older book

5.0 out of 5 stars The real unification of Italy., May 22, 2009

By 

Albert A. Chambers "Russian Front diletante" (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Other Italy: The Italian Resistance in World War II (Hardcover)

This book arrived as described in a reasonable period of time.

This is a series of stories about various aspects of the Italian resistance to the Nazis. The first episode tells the story of the Italian uprising in Naples. The badly strung out Nazis were unable to suppress this and left. That Naples could rise in unity and do anything constructive is a surprise.

There are a variety of other segments. Jews in Italy did not suffer the same mistreatment. They were more integrated and fought side by side with Partisans. Women served in combat and support roles.