Books by Emilio Gentile

Argues that politics has taken on the features of religion, claiming as its own the prerogative of defining the purpose and meaning of human life. This book examines this 'sacralization of politics' historically and theoretically, seeking to identify various ways in which political regimes have depended on faith, myths, rites, and symbols.

During the 20th century, Italy experienced some regrettable political developments. It was the first European nation after World War I in which a mass militia-party of revolutionary nationalism achieved power and abolished parliamentary democracy with the goal of building a totalitarian state. It was also the first in Europe to institutionalize the sacralization of politics and to celebrate officially the cult of the leader as a demi-God. In this book, the author analyzes the ideological undercurrents and cultural myths that unite various 20th century Italian nationalist movements, from the radical nationalism of "La Voce" to futurist nationalism and fascism.