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Mazzini
Giuseppe Mazzini was one of the leading figures in the political history of nineteenth-century Europe. A vigorous proponent of nationalism, pre-eminent figure in the struggle for Italian independence and unity, and fascinating personality, his ideas were influential throughout Europe. Yet successive Italian governments, fearing the consequences of his belief in democracy and revolution, deliberately obscured his there have been few modern studies of Mazzini and no biography in English since 1902.
Denis Mack Smith's major new account reexamines Mazzini's ideological impact and his place in the political and intellectual world of the mid-nineteenth century. Based on profound scholarship and immense archival research, the book recreates Mazzini's long years of poverty and exile in London and the networks of friends, associates, and enemies that brought him into contact with the greatest European figures of the age, among them Marx, Carlyle, Mill, and Bakunin. Mazzini is revealed as an acute but largely unrecognized prophet of the idea of a European he saw nationalism as a step toward larger and more harmonious confederations. Adept at inspiring admiration and animosity equally, Mazzini affronted the pope by his demand for religious reform, Karl Marx by his powerful critique of communism, and many of his less enlightened contemporaries for his campaigns on behalf of social security, universal suffrage, and women's rights. Yet he was universally venerated for his brilliance, humanity, and wisdom, and even his critics agreed that he left an enduring mark on his time.
Denis Mack Smith's major new account reexamines Mazzini's ideological impact and his place in the political and intellectual world of the mid-nineteenth century. Based on profound scholarship and immense archival research, the book recreates Mazzini's long years of poverty and exile in London and the networks of friends, associates, and enemies that brought him into contact with the greatest European figures of the age, among them Marx, Carlyle, Mill, and Bakunin. Mazzini is revealed as an acute but largely unrecognized prophet of the idea of a European he saw nationalism as a step toward larger and more harmonious confederations. Adept at inspiring admiration and animosity equally, Mazzini affronted the pope by his demand for religious reform, Karl Marx by his powerful critique of communism, and many of his less enlightened contemporaries for his campaigns on behalf of social security, universal suffrage, and women's rights. Yet he was universally venerated for his brilliance, humanity, and wisdom, and even his critics agreed that he left an enduring mark on his time.
312 pages, Paperback
First published May 25, 1994
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
August 27, 2018
Giuseppe Mazzini is the founder of Italy and the father of Italian nationalism, period. As far as I am aware this book is the only major biography of his life available in English.
The vision of this man eventually led to his nation going from being the playtoy of bloated and decrepid powers; the Austrian monarchy, the Papacy and the Bourbons; to being a significant power in Europe. Even if he didn't exactly get his way (Mazzini had no time for the Savoy monarchy).
Whether you love or hate him, he was an exceptional man and though the two went their separate ways ideologically, he and Louis Auguste Blanqui were arguably the two most remarkable revolutionaries in the 19th century. I see in Pádraig Pearse many of the same characteristics as Mazzini. Certainly these men were far more impressive than whatever inhabits Europe today.
The vision of this man eventually led to his nation going from being the playtoy of bloated and decrepid powers; the Austrian monarchy, the Papacy and the Bourbons; to being a significant power in Europe. Even if he didn't exactly get his way (Mazzini had no time for the Savoy monarchy).
Whether you love or hate him, he was an exceptional man and though the two went their separate ways ideologically, he and Louis Auguste Blanqui were arguably the two most remarkable revolutionaries in the 19th century. I see in Pádraig Pearse many of the same characteristics as Mazzini. Certainly these men were far more impressive than whatever inhabits Europe today.
December 4, 2014
Storiografia di classe e scrittura di pregio per un lavoro che restituisce un'immagine del grande rivoluzionario ben lontana dai santini che si studiano a scuola, e proprio per questo ancora più impressionante e avvicente. Mazzini, con i suoi limiti ed errore, ne esce ancora più titanico, e il suo messaggio agli italiani ancora più vivo di quanto si riscontri nelle varie agiografie stereotipate (risuscitate stancamente in occasione del centocinquantenario). Forse ci voleva un inglese per scrivere un libro come questo.
February 24, 2013
I am re-reading this book for the umpteenth time because it gives a wonderful portrait of not only one of the great Italians, but one of the great Europeans of the nineteenth century. I have been fascinated by Mazzini since studying the Risorgimento for my Scottish Certificate of Education 'Higher' grade History course in High School (1984-85). Mack Smith deserves his reputation as one of the leading English language scholars in this field.
October 26, 2016
A very intelligent man but hard to validate his renown and achievements. Clearly someone with an aspiration and vision for their country, but one that wasn't effectively realized.
July 13, 2023
Amazone
Word portrait of a wannabe revolutionary
8/10
I was disappointed by "Mazzini" only because I expected more of a biography rather than an explanation of what his ideals were. The explanations confused me even more, as this idealist seemed to be able to hold opposing points of view, while agreeing with both of them, for instance with regard to politics and Church. But at least it answered one of my questions, i.e., where was Mazzini living in London at the time of the 1851 census.
DorothyP
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SOUL OF ITALIAN UNITY
8/10
A clear, compelling biography of the man who was "the soul of Italian unity".
John Conforti
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THE book on Mazzini
10/10
It is not only an excellent book on the figure, it may be one of the best written biographies I have ever read. Smith is very thorough in his analysis of Mazzini and does justice to Mazzini's efforts to better Italy.
Jason Frey
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It's really not a biography and gives little insight into actions and motivations
2/10
There is no story of Mazzini's life here, just an outline of his ideas and paraphrases of his many writings. It's really not a biography and gives little insight into the actions and motivations of a morally complex soul who was either a great champion or nefarious villain.
One person found this helpful
Reader I
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Mazzini, the official profile
8/10
The politician, the strategist. It lacks the man of feeling, the artist, though.
The work of D.M. Smith remains the model, the track.
Davide C. Crimi
August 22, 2017
"la chiesa era governata da una piccola cricca impegnata in una politica di potere e incapace di adattarsi a una società irreversibilmente cambiata.". Era ed è tutt'ora. Cricca.
"politica fatta di espedienti, di opportunismo, di occultamenti, di intrighi, di reticenze e di compromessi parlamentari;una politica tipica della vita fiacca e apatica delle nazioni in sfacelo" ma allora non è proprio cambiato niente, chezzo!!!
"Accettare compromessi era per lui immorale, come farsi corrompere dal denaro..."
Avercene di uomini così, oggi....invece abbiamo Fassino...
Anyway! Finito anche questo: i primi due terzi così così (tranne qualche sprazzo ); il meglio è il finale.
"politica fatta di espedienti, di opportunismo, di occultamenti, di intrighi, di reticenze e di compromessi parlamentari;una politica tipica della vita fiacca e apatica delle nazioni in sfacelo" ma allora non è proprio cambiato niente, chezzo!!!
"Accettare compromessi era per lui immorale, come farsi corrompere dal denaro..."
Avercene di uomini così, oggi....invece abbiamo Fassino...
Anyway! Finito anche questo: i primi due terzi così così (tranne qualche sprazzo ); il meglio è il finale.
June 3, 2012
dense and boring at times.
Read for class and research job.
Read for class and research job.
February 5, 2014
Denis Mack Smith presents... his love poem to Giuseppe Mazzini.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews