Chapter I: Part II: Philosophical Antecedents of Fascism

I. Philosophical Antecedents 58

II. Humanism and Renaissance 70

III. The Seventeenth Century 92

IV. The Seventeenth Century in France 114

V. Giambattista Vico 125

VI. Illuminism in England and France 137

VII. Nineteenth Century in Italy 154

VIII. Benedetto Croce 170

IX. Giovanni Gentile 189

X. Benito Mussolini 211

Index 235

AUTHOR’S NOTE

I should, perhaps, say from the first that I am neither Italian nor Fascist. Yet, having lived in Italy from 1913 to 1927, I cannot but be conscious of the fact that the country has undergone a deep change, and have come to the conclusion that it is a change for the better. My purpose in writing this book has been to bring to the knowledge of people possessed of a fair amount of general knowledge, the conclusions that might be formed by a specialist with regard to this change and the value of it. Incidentally I have endeavoured to discourage both those who would import Fascism, as it flourishes in Italy, into other countries, and those who would hinder the spread of that philosophy which, I hold, is its basis.

It is necessary to avoid, when possible, definitely partisan sources of information; therefore I have turned to the works of Michele Rosi for the history of politics and to Frederick Windelband for the history of philosophy wherever general reading has proved inadequate or my memory failed.

In conclusion I must offer special thanks to Sir Frank Fox for his careful reading of my manuscript and his invaluable suggestion with regard to it. I am also most grateful to the following whom I have consulted as to historical or philosophical accuracy—Professor G. A. Smith, Professor G. C. Webb, Mrs. Anne MacCormick, Miss Jamison, Miss Mary Coate and Mr. R. G. Collingwood.

ALINE LION.

_Lady Margaret Hall,
Oxford._