Mussolini: History in an Hour

Written by David B. McCoy

Narrated by Jonathan Keeble

Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour.

‘Il Duce’, Benito Mussolini, was one of the key figures in the creation of fascism. Famed for his dictatorial style, his political cunning and admired – initially – by Hitler, Mussolini led the National Fascist Party and ruled Italy as Prime Minister from 1922 until his ousting in 1943. In so doing, he paved the way towards Italy’s defeat in World War Two, and some of the 20th century’s most destructive ideologies and practices.

Following expulsion from Italian Socialist Party, Mussolini denounced all efforts of class conflict, and instead later commanded a Fascist March on Rome to become the youngest Prime Minister in Italian history. Thereafter he set about dismantling the apparatus of democracy and initiated what would become known as the one-party totalitarian state. With World War II came defeat, humiliation and his bloody deposing. Explaining his ideologies, policies, actions and flaws, ‘Mussolini: History in an Hour’ is the concise life of the man whose ideas helped create some of the worst horrors of the modern history.

Love history? Know your stuff with History in an Hour…

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Release date: Apr 24, 2014
• ISBN: 9780007574353

David B. McCoy

Rupert Colley was a librarian in Enfield for 22 years until September 2011. A history graduate, he launched the original History In An Hour in 2009 with a website, blog and ‘World War Two In An Hour’ as an iPhone app. He then expanded it to Kindle, iBooks and into the USA with a series of titles, and enlisted new writers by encouraging guest bloggers on the website. History In An Hour was acquired by HarperCollins in 2011.

Reviews for Mussolini

[yolanda mcintyre · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Well narrated and informative but ended abruptly with no further information !

[CL · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I am confused. This is well written and well read, but stops quite early in his life. It seems to be missing most of the text - it stops long before the 2nd world war begins!

[Elke Benker · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very well condensed history for a quick refresher on Mussolini. The quotes are read out beautifully.