The Pope and Mussolini

The Pope and Mussolini: The Secret History of Pius XI and the Rise of Fascism in Europe

★ Liang Wendao, Liu Yu, Xiong Peiyun, and Xu Zhiyuan co-edited the "Utopia Translation Series" (MIRROR) series (027)
★ Unraveling the conflict of interests between Mussolini and Pope Pius XI; intrigue and deception, a true version of the power struggle of "The Da Vinci Code" ★ Newly released historical materials from the Vatican Secret Archives reveal the secrets of the rise of the fascist regime [Highlights of this book]
① Liang Wendao, Liu Yu, Xiong Peiyun, and Xu Zhiyuan co-edited "Ideal Country Translation Series" (MIRROR) Series 1 (027) - Keep an open mind and non-utilitarian eyes to see the richness and complexity of the world. Through the fog of history, uncover how the choices and silence of the highest leaders of Italian fascism and the Roman Catholic Church dragged Europe into the abyss and rewritten the fate of millions of people.
② This Pulitzer Prize-winning work draws on newly released historical materials from the Vatican Secret Archives, 25,000 pages of documents, and took seven years to complete. It challenges established academic concepts and subversively rewrites the story of the conspiracy between Pope Pius XI and Mussolini.
③ The book meticulously depicts the collusion, exploitation, checks and balances, and betrayal between two absolute authorities in the early 20th century, vividly portrays many important figures in Italy and the Catholic Church, recreates the undercurrents before World War II, and restores the crises and challenges during the rise of fascism.
④ Publishers Weekly, The New Yorker, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, Kirkus Reviews and other media outlets have all recommended it.
【Content Introduction】
In 1922, Pius XI was elected Pope, and a few months later, Mussolini became Prime Minister of Italy. The relationship between the two men has long been cloaked in the pretense of the Vatican's heroic resistance to Fascism since before the war, with Pius XI and his successors long portrayed as heroes who opposed Mussolini. Drawing on secret Vatican documents released in 2006, David I. Kozer, over a seven-year period, presents a story of collusion between the two men that radically overturns this established view.
Concerned about the decline of the Church's authority, Pope Pius XI turned to fascism to resist the advent of communism and modern society. Meanwhile, the ambitious Benito Mussolini, relying on the Pope's blessing, sought to bolster his credibility and control Italy. This treacherous and ultimately shaky alliance of interests altered the fate of millions and marked the beginning of the nightmare of World War II.
Using detailed historical materials and concise and capable writing, Kozer vividly portrays several important figures in early 20th-century Europe and the Roman Catholic Church. From a new perspective, he uncovers the secrets of the rise of the Italian fascist regime and restores the truth of an important period of history.
【Expert Recommendation】
"The Pope and Mussolini" fully deserves the words "groundbreaking," "bold," and "compelling," and even demands them. It definitively challenges established academic notions about the relationship between Pius XI and the Fascist leaders. Simply put, their relationship was far from adversarial but rather mutually dependent. The author's bold conclusions, so confidently supported, are unflinching thanks to his thorough and comprehensive research, rigorous scholarship, and masterful narrative technique. This masterfully written, meticulously researched, and original book is captivating and deeply inspiring.
—Kevin Madigan, Professor at Harvard Divinity School "The Pope and Mussolini" tells the story of two giants: Pope Pius XI, Archie Ratti, and the fascist leader Benito Mussolini. ... David I. Kozer juxtaposes these two figures in an unprecedented way. The Vatican archives, opened in 2006, along with the vast archives of Mussolini's agents within the Vatican, provided Kozer with a staggering amount of new evidence. His brilliant portrayal of each character involved in this historical period makes this book as fascinating as a great novel.
—Jonathan Steinberg, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania “This book impresses readers with both its narrative power and its subtle grasp of morality… Kozer reveals the story of two hot-tempered and often irrational rulers, telling us a dark story of intrigue and battle of wits between the two sides, and often conducting surprising investigations into the exercise of power.
—The Guardian
When discussing Pius XII, we often assume that the reign of Pius XI serves only as a backdrop. Coze's remarkable book changes that perception... From the outset, Coze constructs the life trajectories of Achille Ratti (later Pius XI) and Benito Mussolini, both of whom rose from unlikely beginnings to play such pivotal historical roles after 1922. The narrative unfolds within the political, ideological, and institutional contexts of the pope and the leader's respective careers, depicting in brilliant and detailed detail the intersection and conflict of their respective interests... Coze's masterful work opens a window on this history that has been closed for years, and from now on, it will be revealed to the world.
—The New Republic
Fascinating... The grandeur and intrigue of "The Pope and Mussolini" give us a new understanding of Machiavelli's ruthless political tactics... A real-life version of "The Da Vinci Code"... but it uses the most standardized academic style and the most reliable historical materials.
—San Francisco Chronicle
A study of selfishness and speculation, describing the collusion and shared rise and fall of Fascism and the Catholic Church... The Pope and Mussolini unravels an unsettling account of one of the most profound periods of modern history.
—San Francisco Review of Books
Koser illuminates the relationship between two of the most important political figures in 20th-century Europe. His fast-paced and highly readable writing makes this an absolute must-read.
—Publishers Weekly
Deafening... Exceptional... Koser authoritatively refutes decades of Vatican denials or evasive statements about any involvement with Italian fascism.
—The Christian Science Monitor
Drawing on the recently opened Vatican archives on Pius XI, Kozer's meticulous research completely overturns the established view that the Catholic Church did not resist Mussolini.
—USA Today

2018-06-01

上海三联书店

Ideal Country

608

9787542662774