Alexander De Grand – författare

" . . . a very fair and intelligent description of the vicissitudes of the two parties and students seeking a readable and jargon-free overview of the subject-matter should be directed to this text." —History"De Grand's study is exceptional in its comprehensive historical perspective . . . a revealing and evocative synthesis." —Marion S. Miller"De Grand is a useful guide to the complex history of the Italian left." —Thomas R. Brooks, New York City Tribune"An excellent overview of the vital Italian left-wing . . . " —Book Reader"This is a well-written, readable, rather detailed though not ponderous, discussion of the politics of the parties of the Italian Left in this century up to the present time." —Perspective" . . . will add immeasurably to our understanding of and appreciation for a country tormented at various times in the past century." —Mediterranean Quarterly" . . . well-written and extensively researched . . . De Grand illustrates a clear and obvious path of development on the Italian left . . . " —L'Italo-Americano"It is . . . a pleasure to note the appearance of Alexander De Grand's book . . . By providing an almost side-by-side summary of the thought and action of both parties . . . De Grand renders a unique contribution." —American Historical Review" . . . a good starting point for students of Italian history and politics, as well as anyone with an interest in the modern European Left. . . . It offers both a solid introduction to, and a persuasive interpretation of, its subject." —Journal of Modern HistoryDe Grand chronicles the history of the Italian Socialist and Communist parties—natural allies yet also enemies, in the struggle to reform society.

Alongside Georges Clemenceau and David Lloyd George, Giovanni Giolitti (1842-1928) stands out as one of the major liberal reformers of late 19th- and early 20th-century Europe. In the first complete English-language study of Giolitti, De Grand examines the political life of Italy's most notable prime minister after Cavour. Giolitti emerges not as a transitional figure leading fledgling Italy into modern democracy, but as a staunch adherent of 19th-century elitist liberalism trying to navigate the new tide of mass politics. De Grand's careful research offers valuable insight into Giolitti as statesman and, through him, a vantage point on the development of Italy during a critical period.Giolitti's troubled relationship with mass politics defined his years in office. A life-long bureaucrat aloof from the electorate, Giolitti introduced near universal male suffrage—even while commenting that first teaching everyone to read and write would be a more reasonable route—and tolerated labor strikes. Rather than reform the state as a concession to populism, however, Giolitti sought to accommodate the politics of the piazza under the roof of liberal parliamentarianism, first in his pursuit of coalitions with Socialist and Catholic groups, and finally, at the end of his political life, in a failed courtship with Fascism.