Mussolini

by Laura Fermi

Biography of the Fascist dictator of Italy from 1922 to 1945

Genres: Biography, History

Paperback

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Laura Capon Fermi was an Italian and naturalized-American writer and political activist and the wife of Nobel Prize physicist Enrico Fermi.

Reviews

[Nadienne Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was, overall, a very interesting look into the life of an infamous dictator. It would appear that far from being driven by an ideological narrative or a fanatical goal, Mussolini was just a man who wanted to seize power for himself, always be in control, and make everyone dance to his own tune, even when he didn't know what that tune was, or - more frequently - changed his mind on what he wanted the tune to be. Mussolini seems to be a very mercurial character, whom the author mentions was most influenced by whichever book or idea was most recent on his mind.

He had unrealistic ideals of what Italy could do - which goes along with his own ego. And, seems to have lost the faith of the Italian people when he decided that Italy should be another Germany. Italians may have tolerated nascent fascism, but they had no desire to become obedient slaves nor world conquerors. However, that being said, Italians seemed to have tolerated fascism because they were terrified of socialism, which seems a bit like setting yourself on fire because you don't want to go to the dentist, if you want my humble opinion.

The 1920s and 1930s always seem odd to me, because it seems like everyone was just caving in to these infantile dictators because they were abjectly horrified by the prospect of another Great War, without seeming to realize that they were sowing the seeds of another Great War by their appeasement and acquiescence. But, hindsight is 20/20, I guess. And I live in a nation that still seems to think Trump was a hero and Republicans are sensible...so, there go any thoughts I have that modern Humanity has grown in any way, shape, or form.

If anything, this book whet my appetite for more information about Mussolini and wanting to learn more about him. His origins as a socialist seem to be heavily influenced by his father - whom I also want to learn more about, as he seemed like a right-proper socialist - however, Mussolini's abandonment of all of his childhood and youth ideals to become what he became makes me think he was never true to his ideals to begin with and latched on to anything that he thought would advance him further and give him more.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting read. It's a fascinating time in Italian history, and it's also fun to read with some knowledge of future events. The book was written in 1961, and the European landscape has changed dramatically since the boundaries were rewritten after World War II. Classified documents have been made public that change how Mussolini's reign is viewed. It added an extra facet to the book. I also enjoyed Fermi's writing style. She didn't overly praise or demonize and she stated when she was conjecturing so the reader wouldn't take her words as fact. Highly recommend.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flowing style of biography tracing the political impact and personal psychology of Mussolini. Good background insights into dictatorship in Italy and the convoluted prevarications that led to various Fascist alliances and then WW2 . Written in 1961 so only post war material could be researched but quite balanced and astute in its assessment. It certainly filled in and reversed some ideas I had about Mussolini.