This book fills a serious gap in the field by synthesizing modern Italian history and placing it in a fully European context. Di Scala also critically reexamines certain traditional historical interpretations. He gives prominence to social, economic, and cultural developments while providing a picture of how ordinary Italians lived. Cast in a clear and lively style that will appeal to students, this book is an indispensable introduction to the history of modern Italy.
Spencer M. Di Scala is research professor of history and History Graduate Program Director at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He is the author of numerous scholarly books and articles on Italian and European politics and culture, serves on the editorial boards of scholarly journals, and edits a book series on Italian and Italian American Studies.