The Syndicalist Tradition and Italian Fascism

by David D. Roberts

This study focuses on the syndicalist intellectual tradition, which began as a revisionist form of Marxism, then gradually evolved into a kind of nationalist corporatism--the most important theoretical component in Italian fascism. Roberts shows how fascism could be at once popular and elitist, modern and traditional, procapitalist and anticapitalist, nationalist and anti-Italian, totalitarian and anticollectivist. He also illuminates the weaknesses of the regime.

Originally published in 1979.

A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.

Genres: Italy, Politics

420 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Martin Chudik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly brilliant. One of the best I've ever come across. I'll post a longer review later.

[AC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a major book, a rich, dense, and important study of both the mature corporative fascism of the Regime (chs. 8-12), and more importantly, of its evolution -- or rather, the evolution of one part of it (for the Nationalists, like Alfredo Rocco, while discussed, are not the major focus of Roberts' study) -- out of the revisionist Marxism of the Italian Syndicalists, who eventually came to replace class with will (that is, materialism with voluntarism).

This is a brilliant book -- insightful, dense, and analytical -- and is an essential complement to A. James Gregor's even more brilliant (and more flawless) Young Mussolini.

Highly recommended.