The Anatomy of Fascism

By: Robert O. Paxton

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

What is fascism? By focusing on the concrete, what the fascists did rather than what they said, the esteemed historian Robert O. Paxton answers this question for the first time. 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 he explores whether fascism could exist outside the early-20th-century European setting in which it emerged.

The Anatomy of Fascism will have a lasting impact on our understanding of modern European history, just as Paxton's classic Vichy France redefined our vision of World War II. Based on a lifetime of research, this compelling and important book transforms our knowledge of fascism.

©2007 Robert O. Paxton (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Over my head

This author is writing for a PhD level audience and I feel like an eighth grader. He writes a very, very deep and nuanced analysis of fascism focusing on German Nazism and Mussolini’s Italy and he also covers other fascist movements, military dictatorships, authoritarian regimes, etc. Its a very interesting subject and his exhaustive research and knowledge on the subject is incredible. The last 10 minutes of the reading are a concise and prescient definition of fascism and it is chilling to see how closely it aligns with current US political, social, and economic conditions that would be moving us toward a fascist state.

Very Informative

Very thorough and informative. The author went into great detail and provided a lot of very accessible framing and content. This is a good read if you hear people using "Fascist" to refer to things that you don't think fit that term, or if you see someone who is acting like a fascist but is trying to hide it. Performance was very good. Just soft enough so he doesn't put you to sleep but that you can listen to for a long stretch of time if you wish.

Fascism has come to America

I read this book in 2020 and no irony is lost on how much of “Anatomy of Fascism,” published in 2004, has now come home to roost. I could feel it’s beginnings during the bloodlust era of Bush and Trump has fully unleashed the ecstatic spectacle. Let it be a warning.

Comprehensive, meticulously researched, insightful and timely

The book explores the structure and functionality of various 20th century fascist movements to try to distill their essence and ascertain possible warning signs of developing fascist movements that might threaten democratic countries now and in the future. Written before the rise of Trump and warning of the dangers of repackaged fascist movements in Europe as well as the gathering currents of fascism in the developing world, it is worryingly prescient as to the present but also offers the hope of tamping them down by understanding them better. If your crazy cousin’s new motto is “own the libs,” you need to read this book.

One of the most important books on the topic

Outstanding piece of scholarship. Fair and nuanced. But also chilling in its implications for the current moment.