The Anatomy of Fascism

Whatisfascism? Many authors have proposed definitions, but most fail to move beyond the abstract. The esteemed historian Robert O. Paxton answers this question for the first time by focusing on the concrete: what the fascists did, rather than what they said. From the first violent uniformed bands beating up "enemies of the state," through Mussolini's rise to power, to Germany's fascist radicalization in World War II, Paxton shows clearly why fascists came to power in some countries and not others, and explores whether fascism could exist outside the early-twentieth-century European setting in which it emerged. The Anatomy of Fascismwill have a lasting impact on our understanding of modern European history, just as Paxton's classicVichy Franceredefined our vision of World War II. Based on a lifetime of research, this compelling and important book transforms our knowledge of fascism"the major political innovation of the twentieth century, and the source of much of its pain."

Robert O. Paxton taught at Columbia University. His other books include <i>Vichy France, Vichy France and the Jews</i> (with Michael Marrus), <i>Europe in the Twentieth Century,</i> and <i>French Peasant Fascism</i>. He lives in New York City.<br><br><br><i>From the Hardcover edition.</i>