Fascism: The Career of a Concept

By: Paul Gottfried

Narrated by: Kevin Moriarty

What does it mean to label someone a fascist? Today, it is equated with denouncing him or her as a Nazi. But as intellectual historian Paul E. Gottfried writes in this provocative yet even-handed study, the term's meaning has evolved over the years. Gottfried examines the semantic twists and turns the term has endured since the 1930s and traces the word's polemical function within the context of present ideological struggles. Certain factors have contributed to the term's imprecise usage, Gottfried writes, including the equation of all fascisms with Nazism and Hitler, as well as the rise of a post-Marxist left that expresses predominantly cultural opposition to bourgeois society and its Christian and/or national components. Those who stand in the way of social change are dismissed as "fascist", he contends, an epithet that is no longer associated with state corporatism and other features of fascism that were once essential but are now widely ignored.

Gottfried outlines the specific historical meaning of the term and argues that it should not be used indiscriminately to describe those who hold unpopular opinions. His important study will appeal to political scientists, intellectual historians, and general listeners interested in politics and history.

The book is published by Northern Illinois University Press. The audiobook is published by University Press Audiobooks.

"Paul Gottfried's is far and away the best book on fascism I've read in many years." (Claremont Review of Books)

“Gottfried’s study is particular, nuanced, and multifaceted...a model for the type of work that can earn the right a hearing from more attentive audiences.” (The American Conservative)

"Offers clear and provocative insights and arguments.... Recommended." (CHOICE)

©2017 Northern Illinois University Press (P)2019 Redwood Audiobooks

Excellent, unbiased analysis

Great summary of the ideas and history of the historic movements and how the term has evolved. Not an argument for or against, but refreshingly objective.

Fascinating and thought provoking

Shines a new light on the history of a term, ideology, movement of action and past that is poorly understood today.

Refreshing scholarly treatment of a widely misused concept

Worth a read. The book presumes familiarity with with paleoconservative scholarship, but is otherwise a thorough analysis of the fascist and righting European movements of the interwar period, based on primary sources. Gottfried’s analysis of fascism, and its (extremely limited) role in shaping the resurgent European right is refreshing and timely.

Great book

Paul Gottfried gives a neutral, yet fair, and detailed breakdown of the history and actual tenets of fascism.

good book, dry, monotone narration

very difficult to follow because of the narrator's flat, toneless, droning voice. the airport announcements are livelier.