Mussolini also did a lot of good : the spread of historical amnesia /

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Bibliographic Details
Author / Creator:Filippi, Francesco, 1981- author.
Uniform title:Mussolini ha fatto anche cose buone. English
Imprint:MontreĢal : Baraka Books, [2021]
Description:214 pages ; 21 cm
Language:English
Subject:
Format: Print Book
URL for this record:http://pi.lib.uchicago.edu/1001/cat/bib/12749950
Hidden Bibliographic Details
Other authors / contributors:Irving, John (Editor), translator.
ISBN:9781771862622
1771862629
9781771862639
Notes:Originally published as: Mussolini ha fatto anche cose buone : le idiozie che continuano a circolare sul fascismo. Torino : Bollati Boringheri, 2019.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 189-194).
Translated from the Italian.
Summary:"Surgically, but with wit, Francesco Filippi demolishes each and every myth that has taken root about Mussolini and fascism in an uplifting handbook for political and intellectual self-defense. No stones are left unturned, including the colonial devastation of Libya and Ethiopia. Legend would have it that Mussolini put roofs over Italians' heads, developed the economy, had trains running on time, stood up for justice and against the mafia, protected the Jews from Nazi Germany, was a feminist, and put Italy on the map as a respected power. The founder of fascism's only mistake was allying with Hitler. Though this is entirely false, it didn't prevent Antonio Tahani, president of the European Union, from declaring in 2019 that "if we must be honest, he [Mussolini] did positive things to realize infrastructures ... he reclaimed many parts of our Italy." In fact, only 6 percent of the improvements referred to were done during the 21 years of fascist rule. Though written first for Italians, this book is relevant and timely for North Americans. Through a study of Mussolini and Italy, Filippi shows how such legends are built on webs of lie, manipulation of History, and constant uncontested repetition, explaining at the same time why so many people fall victim to the propaganda." - publisher's description.
Table of Contents:
  • Preface-Did Mussolini do any good at all?
  • 1. Mussolini the Provident and Prudential
  • Was the Duce the first man to give Italians pensions?
  • 2. Mussolini the Champion of Land Reclamation
  • Did the Duce drain the marshes?
  • 3. Mussolini the Builder
  • Did the Duce give all Italians a home to live in?
  • 4. Mussolini the Man of Law
  • Was the Duce an upright defender of justice?
  • 5. Mussolini the Economist
  • Did the Duce raise the Italian economy to its highest point?
  • 6. Mussolini the Feminist
  • Did the Duce improve the status of women in Italy?
  • 7. Mussolini the Condottiere and Statesman
  • Was the Duce a great leader?
  • 8. Mussolini the Humanitarian
  • Was the Duce a "benign" dictator?
  • Assorted Information (and Idiocies)
  • Everything you always wanted to know about the Duce ... that actually turns out to be false
  • Acknowledgments
  • Bibliography
  • Notes