Fascism Book

"Fascism: An Informal Introduction to Its Theory and Practice" is a lengthy interview between scholar Michael Ledeen and historian Renzo De Felice on the controversial subject of the origins and characteristics of fascism, a repulsive yet hydra-like ideology that exists under the broader umbrella of totalitarianism.

In contrast to his contemporary peers, Felice argued that fascism should be subdivided into its distinct manifestations as a political movement and as an oppressive regime. Intriguingly, Felice asserts that fascism is a uniquely "middle class phenomenon" that gradually expands to include all classes of society.

Felice's narrow interpretation of fascism implicitly rejects the revisionist views of some modern academics (such as James Michael Eagan) who lump Robespierre and others together as fascists. In the eyes of Felice, such academics fundamentally misunderstand the very concept of fascism.

Overall, this short book is a satisfactory introduction to understanding the elements that comprise fascism; however, I wish its content had been more extensive in scope and detail.