Introducing Fascism

In graphic format examines the ideas of the intellectuals who helped racist doctrines gain respectability.

Grade 9 Up-Presenting a strongly left-wing British view, Wood and Jansz analyze specific social movements and try to aid readers in determining which ones, if any, should be called "fascist." Continuing beyond World War II, they show that fascism is still strong in Europe. (There is no mention of any events in North America.) Using a black-and-white, comic-book format reminiscent of Rius's well-known Marx for Beginners (McKay, 1990), they lampoon their targets with considerable venom, making them appear to admit crimes they would never acknowledge in public. Readers who are knowledgeable about art will recognize some classic images (e.g., The Scream), but those without background in European history will sometimes be confused by obscure references. In contrast, Peter Chrisp's The Rise of Fascism (Watts, 1991) does an excellent job of presenting the facts in considerably greater depth and much more objectively, with plenty of contemporary photographs, maps, chronology, glossary, and index. Unfortunately, that book's coverage ends with World War II. Elaine Landau's White Power Movement (Millbrook, 1993) covers American hate groups. James Forman's Fascism (Dell, 1976) is a much more scholarly analysis, if a bit dated. Any of these titles would be preferable choices.
Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
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