Mussolini's Rome - 9781403966049

Painter (emeritus, history, Trinity College) examines the built environment of Fascist Rome, put in place over Mussolini's 20 years in power, as a window into the political, economic, and cultural visions and goals of the Fascist movement. He provides a history of the beginnings of Mussolini's Rome as part of grand project combining fascism's emphasis on youth, revolution, modernity, and the new and vibrant Italy with the glories of ancient Rome. The erection of sports facilities and schools are analyzed for what they reveal of Mussolini's project for a new breed of Italian male, martial and disciplined. Debates over modernist architecture are examined in light of tensions between different visions of fascist values. Housing and neighborhood schemes and policies are discussed in the context of Mussolini's views on population. Finally, the impact of war and the defeat of fascism on Rome's built environment are analyzed. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)