"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.”John Foot, Professor of Modern Italian History, University of Bristo
“an antidote to all the nonsense still circulating about fascism? Filippi is almost surgical in the way he reestablishes the context.” La Reppublica Book of the Month
“The 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.” La Reppublica
“In the existing climate, Francesco Filippi?s scalpel is of utmost importance” Le Monde, France
“a perceptive and necessary book ? listing all the legends about ?good? fascism and the ?excellent administrator, Mussolini?.” La Stampa
“Francesco Filippi?s book is very timely and relevant? a lesson on a past that simply doesn?t go away.” Corrierre Della Sera
“ [An] engagingly relentless study ? original, detailed and cleverly documented.” Il Sole 24 Ore
“Fascism, 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.” Il Venerdi di Reppublica
“a book that is a contribution to public welfare and well-being” Courier placard France
