Abstract
"This is an examination of fascism from its fin-de-siècle origins to the the re-emergence of fascist ideas in recent times. Historiographical discussions, illustrations, biographical textboxes and maps are interwoven into the text, while a valuable collection of primary documents can be found at the end of the book to facilitate further study. Paul Baxa's underlying assertion that fascism is primarily a cultural movement - a political cult in fact - that relies on charismatic leaders who have been able to articulate and project the fantasies and desires of their followers provides a consistent position throughout, one that both enriches and enlivens the text itself and that offers a useful jumping-off point for classroom discussions"-- Provided by publisher.