Mussolini Also Did a Lot of Good

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.

<p Though this is entirely false, it didn?t prevent Antonio Tahani, president of the European Union, from declaring in 2019 that &#147if we must be honest, he [Mussolini] did positive things to realize infrastructures ? he reclaimed many parts of our Italy.& &#147 In fact, only 6 percent of the improvements referred to were done during the 21 years of fascist rule.

<p 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.

<p Though written first for Italians, it 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.

AUTHOR

Francesco Filippi

Francesco Filippi is a historian of mentalities and an educator. He presides the Deina Association of Social Promotion, which organises journeys in memory and training courses for schools, history institutes and universities. He has contributed to manuals and educational courses on the relationship between memory and the present. His recent publications include essays such as &#147 Austria?s Coastline between the 19th and 20th Centuries&#148 and &#147Antimafia Notes: A brief history of the actions of the ?Ndrangheta and those who have fought it&#148 (with Dominella Trunfio). Mussolini Also Did A Lot of Good Things is his first book to appear in English.

John Irving is a writer and translator who was born in the UK and has lived in Italy for many years. He holds a degree in Italian Language and Literature from the University of Edinburgh. His translations include works in history, sports, philosophy and gastronomy. Hi has also translated award winning screenplays.

AUTHOR

John Irving

Reviews

“Francesco Filippi’s polemic, with its provocative title, Mussolini also Did a Lot of Good: The Spread of Historical Amnesia (Baraka Books, 2021), is such an urgent read?for all of us?Italian or not?right now… chapter by chapter, point by point, Filippi dislodges propaganda with fact, answers mirage with astringent sunlight, and dispels nostalgia with body-counts.” George Elliott Clarke, E.J. Pratt Professor of Canadian Literature at University of Toronto

At a time in human history when fake news is part of the daily vernacular, Filippi?s book about an Italian dictator who two generations ago played a similar game seems extraordinarily pertinent. Agata De Santis, Italocanadese

“an intelligent and penetrating account of Fascist Italy ? The reputation of Mussolini is egregiously warped by misinformation and falsehoods among his supporters, many of whom were born after he died. The author wrote the book to counter such historical distortion. ? We are indebted to Mr. Filippi for his skilled passion in establishing a proper analysis for those who seek to counter the supporters of Mussolini?s tyrannical reign.” Truby Chiaviello, Primo Magazine

#147There is a widespread myth, in Italy but not only there, that Benito Mussolini?s regime was not all bad. This myth is backed up by series of oft-repeated claims about the supposed achievements of Italian fascism, and its allegedly mild nature. Francesco Filippi?s direct and trenchant book, a best-seller in Italy, counters these myths with facts, providing a useful and entertaining primer into how to understand the world?s first fascist government and its legacy.&#148John Foot, Professor of Modern Italian History, University of Bristo

&#147an antidote to all the nonsense still circulating about fascism? Filippi is almost surgical in the way he reestablishes the context.&#148 La Reppublica Book of the Month

&#147The author is like a reporter who takes us on an engrossing journey back in time after turning the system of clichés that have survived on it head.&#148 La Reppublica

&#147In the existing climate, Francesco Filippi?s scalpel is of utmost importance&#148 Le Monde, France

&#147a perceptive and necessary book ? listing all the legends about ?good? fascism and the ?excellent administrator, Mussolini?.&#148 La Stampa

&#147Francesco Filippi?s book is very timely and relevant? a lesson on a past that simply doesn?t go away.&#148 Corrierre Della Sera

&#147 [An] engagingly relentless study ? original, detailed and cleverly documented.&#148 Il Sole 24 Ore

&#147Fascism, writes Filippi, is a chronic disease of democracy that can?t be defeated once and for all. If resistance is lowered, it returns to life and tends to spread.&#148 Il Venerdi di Reppublica

&#147a book that is a contribution to public welfare and well-being&#148 Courier placard France