Ciano's Hidden Diary 1937-1938

by Galeazzo Ciano, Andreas Mayor (Translator), Malcolm Muggeridge (Introduction)

Earlier parts of Ciano's diary that were discovered after the publication of his wartime diaries. Spans 8/23/37 through 12/31/38.

220 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1953

Reviews

[Sofia La Cool · Rating 2 out of 5]

BEURKKKK mais intéressant et un peu boring mais intéressant et ark

[Chris Langer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a fantastic read. I loved 1939-1943, and this part contained just as many fascinating insights. Seeing the unease of Anchluss and the Nazi conquest of the Sudetenland, it's interesting to read Italy react to the growing power of their Axis partner, as well as the growing disillusion of certain Italian leaders towards Germany. On top of that, the looming Italian encroachment into Albania was intriguing.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very valuable resource for insight into pre-WW II situation. Often very witty, certainly sometimes catty. Malcolm Muggeridge's introduction is equally interesting and clever. As he observes, Ciano seems to think he's at the center of every event, and Ciano certainly worships Mussolini. His comments on the Duce verge on fawning at times, but they also put Mussolini in a different light than he's often presented.

Most interesting part of the book probably was the lead-up to the British and French betrayal of Czechoslovakia at Munich. A new way of viewing that very pivital event.

Now, on to the Ciano diary from 1939 to 1943, which was discovered and published before this portion.

Tip for other readers -- the cast of characters are identified in footnotes on first reference, but after that use the index -- it also gives a brief ID.

[Andrew Sebastian]

File Under: History, Italian