Best Fascism Books of 2023

• Best Overall: A History of Fascism, 1914–1945
• Best Budget: Fascism: What It Is and How to Fight It
• Best Value: The Mass Psychology of Fascism
• Editor's Choise: Liberal Fascism: The Secret History

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#1: The Antifa Comic Book: 100 Years of Fascism and Antifa Movements

Specs:

• Title: The Antifa Comic Book: 100 Years of Fascism and Antifa Movements
• Author: Gord Hill
• Format: Paperback
• Published: October 30, 2018
• Pages: 128 pages
• Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press

What we like:

• The book provides an exhaustive history of Antifa movements and their fight against fascism.
• The comic book format makes it an engaging and approachable read, particularly for those unfamiliar with the topic.
• The illustrations effectively convey the emotions and messages of the stories they accompany.
• The author, Gord Hill, is a well-respected Indigenous artist and activist who has a long history of advocating for social justice causes.

What we don't like:

• The book's depiction of violence and confrontation may disturb or even offend some readers.
• The book could have benefited from additional context and background information, particularly for readers unfamiliar with the depicted historical events.

Our Verdict:

The Antifa Comic Book is a powerful and thought-provoking work that sheds light on the ongoing struggle against fascism and the significance of standing up to hatred and oppression. While some readers may find the book's depiction of violence and conflict disturbing, the comic book format and skillfully rendered illustrations make it a compelling and approachable read. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning more about the history and ideology of Antifa movements.

 #2: How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them

Specs:

• Title: How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them
• Author: Jason Stanley
• Format: Hardcover
• Published: September 4, 2018
• Pages: 240 pages
• Publisher: Random House

What we like:

• Jason Stanley is a professor of philosophy with expertise in political ideology and propaganda, and his insights are profoundly enlightening.
• The book provides a clear and concise analysis of fascism's key characteristics and its operation, using historical and contemporary examples.
• The engaging and approachable writing style of Stanley makes complex concepts and ideas simple to comprehend.
• Given the global rise of far-right movements and authoritarianism, the book is timely and pertinent.

What we don't like:

• The book's emphasis on theoretical analysis and academic jargon may be too dense and difficult to follow for some readers.
• The book could have contained more strategies or suggestions for combating fascism in real-world situations.

Our Verdict:

How Fascism Works is a must-read for anyone wishing to comprehend fascism's underlying principles and mechanisms, as well as its operation in society. Given the current political climate, the expertise and insights of Jason Stanley make for a powerful and thought-provoking analysis, and the book is both timely and relevant. Although some readers may find the writing style challenging, the clarity and depth of the analysis are well worth the effort. Overall, this is a significant and informative book that is highly recommended for anyone interested in understanding the nature and impact of fascism on society.

 #3: A History of Fascism, 1914–1945

Specs:

• Title: A History of Fascism, 1914-1945
• Author: Stanley G. Payne
• Format: Paperback
• Published: April 15, 1996
• Pages: 640 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press

What we like:

• Stanley G. Payne is a prominent fascism historian, and his expertise shines through in this book.
• The book offers a thorough analysis of the rise and fall of fascist movements in Europe, including their political, social, and cultural aspects.
• The book is enjoyable to read despite its length and complexity due to Payne's engaging and approachable writing style.
• The book is based on extensive primary sources, such as archival documents, memoirs, and newspapers.

What we don't like:

• Some readers may find the book's emphasis on the political and military aspects of fascism with less emphasis on its cultural and social dimensions to be too narrow.
• Since the book was first published in 1995, it does not include more recent advancements in the field of fascist studies.

Our Verdict:

The definitive and authoritative work on the history of fascist movements in Europe, A History of Fascism, 1914-1945 is the definitive and authoritative history of fascist movements in Europe. The book provides an abundance of information and insight into the political, social, and cultural dimensions of fascism. Stanley G. Payne's expertise and attention to detail make for a compelling and informative read. Although some readers may find the book's narrow focus on political and military history to be a drawback, this is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the nature and impact of fascist movements. Even though it was first published in 1995, the book remains a significant and pertinent contribution to fascist studies.

 #4: Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Change

Specs:

• Title: Liberal Fascism: The Secret History of the American Left, From Mussolini to the Politics of Change
• Author: Jonah Goldberg
• Format: Paperback
• Published: December 30, 2008
• Pages: 496 pages
• Publisher: Broadway Books

What we like:

• The book offers a novel and controversial perspective on the origins of fascism, arguing that they lie on the left rather than the right.
• Goldberg supports his argument with a wealth of historical and cultural context, drawing from a variety of literary, artistic, and popular sources.
• The writing style is engaging and frequently humorous, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining read.
• The book challenges conventional wisdom and encourages readers to examine their political ideologies with a critical eye.

What we don't like:

• Some readers may find the book's argument overly simplistic or reductionist, and the author's claims are certainly open to debate.
• At times, the book is excessively polemical, with Goldberg's broad generalizations and caricatures of his opponents.

Our Verdict:

Liberal Fascism is a provocative and difficult book that offers a fresh perspective on the history of fascism and its relationship to the political left. Although some readers may disagree with Goldberg's argument, there is no denying the breadth and depth of research that went into writing this book. The writing style is engaging and frequently humorous, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining read. However, readers should approach the book with skepticism and be cognizant of its polemical tone and tendency to make broad generalizations. This is an important contribution to the ongoing discussion about the nature and history of fascism.

#5: Fascism: What It Is and How to Fight It

Specs:

• Title: Fascism: What It Is and How to Fight It
• Author: Leon Trotsky
• Format: Paperback
• Published: September 17, 2018 (reprint edition)
• Pages: 128 pages
• Publisher: Haymarket Books

What we like:

• Drawing on Trotsky's own experience and insights as a Marxist revolutionary, the book provides a concise and clear analysis of the nature and characteristics of fascism.
• The writing is clear and comprehensible, making this book suitable for readers of all levels of political theory expertise.
• Based on Trotsky's experience leading the anti-fascist struggle in 1930s Europe, this book offers pragmatic and concrete strategies for combating fascism.
• The book serves as a timely reminder of the enduring threat of fascism and the necessity of collective action in its opposition.

What we don't like:

• Some readers may find the book's narrow focus on Marxism and socialist theory, to the exclusion of other ideological perspectives on fascism, to be too narrow.
• The book was originally published in the 1930s, so modern readers may find it to be somewhat dated, although many of its insights and recommendations are still applicable.

Our Verdict:

What Fascism Is and How to Fight It It is a classic of Marxist theory and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the nature and historical context of fascism. The book provides both a theoretical analysis of fascism and practical strategies for combating it. It is concise, clear, and practical. Despite the fact that some readers may find the book's emphasis on Marxism to be too narrow, this is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history and politics of fascism. Despite having been written in the 1930s, the book's insights and recommendations are still pertinent today and serve as a timely reminder of the ongoing threat of fascism in our global community.

• Authoritative sources: Look for books written by historians, political scientists, or experts in the field. Ensure the author's credentials and background align with the subject matter.

• Comprehensive coverage: Choose books that cover a broad range of topics, including the origins of fascism, its ideology, and political systems, its rise to power, and its impact on society.

• Clear language: Look for books that are easy to understand and avoid complex jargon. Fascism is a complex ideology, and books that explain it in a simple language will help you grasp the subject better.

• Diverse perspectives: Choose books that offer different perspectives and opinions on fascism. It is essential to understand the subject matter from different angles to form a well-rounded opinion.

• Historical context: Books that provide historical context and explain how fascism emerged in the early 20th century, its impact on World War II and how it influenced post-war politics will help you understand the subject matter better.

What exactly is fascism?

Fascism is a political ideology that advocates centralized control of society and the economy by an autocratic government.

Where does fascism originate?

In response to the economic and social upheavals of the early 20th century, fascism emerged in Europe.

What effect does fascism have on society?

Fascism had significant effects on society, including the persecution of minorities, censorship of the press and arts, and use of propaganda to manipulate public opinion.

What are the main characteristics of fascism?

Fascism is characterized by its extreme nationalism, authoritarianism, militarism, and suppression of dissent.

Why is the study of fascism essential?

Understanding the past and present political climate, preventing fascism's resurgence, and promoting democratic values requires the study of fascism.

The study of fascism and its effects on society is essential to comprehending the political climate of the past and the present. The books recommended in this article provide a thorough examination of fascism's ideology, origins, and social impact. When purchasing fascism-related books, it is crucial to consider the