Mussolini Unleashed, 1939-1941

A careful reconstruction, based on extensive archival research, of Mussolini's disastrous drive to empire. Mussolini sought for Italy great-power status, with preeminence in southern Europe and a great African empire. After Hitler's victories, he triumphed over the prudent elements of the Italian establishment-king, generals, and Church-only to have military defeats shatter his dreams and his regime. A fascinating story, clearly, if not elegantly, told, and of considerable interest to any student of fascism and the Second World War.