A History of Fascism, 1914-1945 (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

History professor Payne defines fascism and describes its course during the first half of the century.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"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."-Susan Zuccotti, The Nation -- 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 -- John Gray, The New York Times Book Review

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Product Details

• Paperback: 592 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press; 1 edition (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0299148742
• ISBN-13: 978-0299148744
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #624,965 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent history., April 27, 1997

By A Customer

(The numerical rating above is a default setting of Amazon's. This reviewer does not employ numerical ratings.)

"Fascism" has been a term so abused by careless application as to render it meaningless.

Payne restores the term's usefulness first by carefully defining the phenomenon, then tracing its roots in the disrupted and blood-soaked soil of World War I. By delineating the distinctions between the various "authoritarian nationalisms" he is able to develop a typological description that illuminates the distinctive characteristics of fascism and shows it to be a phenomenon of a particular time and space, growing out of specific social, political, and economic preconditions.

The author examines the similarities and differences of the various national movements, with an especially valuable analysis of the rise of Nazism; discusses the rise of variants in other countries such as Spain and Romania, and assesses the minor movements in Scandanavia and elsewhere.

Considering Neofascism and the authoritarian nationalisms of today, Payne reassuringly dismisses any likelihood of resurgence in the West but is concerned by the potential of trouble from the East, especially when fueled by religious fundamentalism. Admirably readable; highly recommended.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of Fascism , January 19, 2008

By	Lehigh History Student - See all my reviews

Stanley Payne provides one of the most thorough and accurate overviews of Fascism in this book. The biggest problem with much of the fascist literature is that it combines fascism and Nazism into one category when in fact they are quite different. Payne grasps these nuances quite well and shows the nature and development of each. He tracks not only the rise of fascism in Italy but across Europe and the world. It looks at the failed movements in Scandinavia and Eastern Europe and the budding movements of the Middle East and the crushing defeats of fascism in Asia. The book is well written and thoroughly covered with an excellent bibliography for further study. All and all a great overview of fascism and one not to be missed.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed explanation of Fascism, March 18, 2006

By	L. Greaves (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I thought this was a detailed account of the different forms of fascism. It goes beyond comparing Hitler and Mussolini, and shows the connections that existed between all of the fascist parties in Europe and beyond. I highly reccommend this book.