Italy and its Discontents 1980-2001

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

Paul Ginsborg's account of this most recent and dynamic period in Italy's history is aimed at anyone wishing to understand contemporary Italy. Ginsborg chronicles a period that has witnessed a radical transformation in the country's social, economic and political landscape, creating a fascinating and definitive account of how Italy has coped - or failed to cope - as it moves from one century to the next. In its size, population and manufacturing output Italy is in many ways compatible with Britain. It even has its own north-south divide. Yet among the many vast differences is the importance Italy attaches to the family. With particular emphasis on its role in Italian life, work and culture, "Italy and its Discontents" shows how smaller families, longer lives and greater generation cross-over have had significant effects on Italian society. The book also looks at the 2001 elections, and explores the influence of the Mafia, the decline of Communism and Catholicism, and the increase in prosperity on the national identity.

Reviews

"A valuable reference for anyone studying or teaching Italian and European politics and society."--W.R. Smith, Choice
."..excellent..."-Alexander Stille, New York Review of Books
."..the book is useful and even entertaining."--Laura Collura Kahn, New York Sun
."..his book is valuable...usefully traces the phenomenon of Silvio Berlusconi."--David I. Fulton, Library Journal
."..Complex and fertile with 'thick description', [the book] radiates the paradoxes and ironies that abound in a troubled country."--The New York Times Book Review
.".it offers a complete portrayal of the textures of Italian society."--"Publishers Weekly"
""Italy and its Discontents "is a tour-de force. Anyone concerned about the condition of the country will find it packed with material to think about and argue over"--"The Economist"

Author Bio

Paul Ginsborg is Professor of Contemporary European History at the University of Florence and was formerly Reader in European Politics at the University of Cambridge. His last book for Penguin was the now famous A HISTORY OF CONTEMPORARY ITALY, 1943-1988.