Paperbacks: The Fall of Mussolini, by Philip Morgan

Christopher Hirst
Thursday 24 July 2008 19:00 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Given the title, it is odd that Morgan announces in his introduction: "Mussolini practically dis-appears... after Chapter 1, making a dramatic reappearance at the end."

This may be Hamlet without a decidedly bombastic "Prince", but it is a richly informed work. Morgan focuses on events surrounding Il Duce's first fall from power in 1943. The story of his ejection became "something of a blank" in Italy because it was a coup by fellow Fascists with "practically no involvement" by resistance forces. In a revealing conclusion, Morgan explores how memories of the war have been manipulated by Berlusconi and others.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in