Intellectual debates surrounding modernity, modernism and fascism continue to be active and hotly contested. In this ambitious book, renowned expert on fascism Roger Griffin analyzes Western modernity and the regimes of Mussolini and Hitler and offers a pioneering new interpretation of the links between these apparently contradictory phenomena. Using a wealth of examples, Griffin describes how modernism's roots lay in part in the fundamental human need to perceive a transcendent meaning and purpose to life - and to restore this purpose in times of experienced decay and social breakdown. This sense of revolution and rebirth provided the context in which fascism sought a new world based on the health and strength of the nation or race.Modernism and Fascism is an original and fascinating synthesis of data and ideas which will be of interest to art and intellectual historians, specialists in the study of modernity and modernism, and experts in fascist studies. It also offers stimulating new insights to all those concerned with the many contemporary movements (e.g. Al-Qaeda, Christian fundamentalists) prepared to fight for their belief in the transcendental meaning of life against the inroads of an increasingly globalized materialism. This is a book which promises to have a resonance far beyond the already broad academic parameters of the project, and will inspire a new wave of scholarly interest in modernity.
'A product of enormous erudition and profound thought. I am truly enchanted - I thought that nothing new and eye-opening can be said on the topic, and (Griffin) proved me wrong...Congratulations on the great oeuvre.' - Zygmunt Bauman, Emeritus Prof of Sociology, Leeds University, UK
'What a tour de force you have produced! I send my warmest congratulations!...This is indeed a bold and invigorating discussion based on an absolutely admirable range of up-to-date interdisciplinary reference...I think you have an enormously important book here, one that deserves and will receive a wide readership - not just academic colleagues, but students, and even the broader public...I am absolutely delighted and bubbling with excitement! Thank you for the pleasure - it is very rare that I become this effusive.' - Modris Eksteins, Professor of History, University of Toronto, Canada
'This is a fabulous book. It is a grand synthesis which successfully takes the premise of (Griffin's) first book regarding the centrality of palingenesis to fascism and demonstrates that it is integral to modernism itself...Thank you for sharing this book with me-it is a major contribution!' - Mark Antliff, Professor of Art History, Duke University, USA
'I found this beautifully written and absorbing - an incredible synthesis of material from such a range of sources from the literary to contemporary film!...I was gripped - even at 4 am in the morning which is quite a feat!.' - Josephine Reynell, Director of Studies for Human Sciences, Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, UK
'This is an extraordinary book, the most important to appear on the history of fascism in a decade or more...the book itself is extremely original, not merely a pleasure, but even exciting, to read. More than any other study of recent years it accomplishes a sort of 'paradigm shift' in fascist studies.' - Stanley G. Payne, author of A History of Fascism, 1914-1945'
'In future whoever wants to talk about fascism will have to take this book into account.' - H-Soz-u-Kult
'This book is an exceptional work of analysis. It's unique and comprehensive perspective opens a window on a past that may become the future.' - Tom Baugh, Green Institute
'Griffin's highly-detailed book reveals his vast knowledge of modern and fascist art, architecture and literature.' - Marla Stone, Modernism/Modernity
'The quality of Griffin's work lies in the fact that it offers a highly original, thought-provoking and challenging attempt at a synthesis in this difficult field of research...it is a highly stimulating and often persuasive study of fascism' - Thomas Rohkrämer, Lancaster University, Lancaster
'...this book's primary value is that of offering a 'story' of how fascism became so attractive to millions of people, including legions of educated Europeans - among them many prominent politicians, literati, artists and academics...This study can bewholeheartedly recommended as a delightful, informative and illuminating read. It is a major text and will [be] of interest to anyone concerned with a deeper understanding of modern European politics and culture.' - European History Quarterly
'What a tour de force you have produced! I send my warmest congratulations!...This is indeed a bold and invigorating discussion based on an absolutely admirable range of up-to-date interdisciplinary reference...I think you have an enormously important book here, one that deserves and will receive a wide readership - not just academic colleagues, but students, and even the broader public...I am absolutely delighted and bubbling with excitement! Thank you for the pleasure - it is very rare that I become this effusive.' - Modris Eksteins, Professor of History, University of Toronto, Canada
'This is a fabulous book. It is a grand synthesis which successfully takes the premise of (Griffin's) first book regarding the centrality of palingenesis to fascism and demonstrates that it is integral to modernism itself...Thank you for sharing this book with me-it is a major contribution!' - Mark Antliff, Professor of Art History, Duke University, USA
'I found this beautifully written and absorbing - an incredible synthesis of material from such a range of sources from the literary to contemporary film!...I was gripped - even at 4 am in the morning which is quite a feat!.' - Josephine Reynell, Director of Studies for Human Sciences, Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, UK
'This is an extraordinary book, the most important to appear on the history of fascism in a decade or more...the book itself is extremely original, not merely a pleasure, but even exciting, to read. More than any other study of recent years it accomplishes a sort of 'paradigm shift' in fascist studies.' - Stanley G. Payne, author of A History of Fascism, 1914-1945'
'In future whoever wants to talk about fascism will have to take this book into account.' - H-Soz-u-Kult
'This book is an exceptional work of analysis. It's unique and comprehensive perspective opens a window on a past that may become the future.' - Tom Baugh, Green Institute
'Griffin's highly-detailed book reveals his vast knowledge of modern and fascist art, architecture and literature.' - Marla Stone, Modernism/Modernity
'The quality of Griffin's work lies in the fact that it offers a highly original, thought-provoking and challenging attempt at a synthesis in this difficult field of research...it is a highly stimulating and often persuasive study of fascism' - Thomas Rohkrämer, Lancaster University, Lancaster
'...this book's primary value is that of offering a 'story' of how fascism became so attractive to millions of people, including legions of educated Europeans - among them many prominent politicians, literati, artists and academics...This study can bewholeheartedly recommended as a delightful, informative and illuminating read. It is a major text and will [be] of interest to anyone concerned with a deeper understanding of modern European politics and culture.' - European History Quarterly