The first history in English of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI), beginning with the exile period in 1926 and concluding with a study of the administration of Craxi, Italy's first Socialist prime minister.

The first comprehensive history of Italian Socialism in English, this book ranges from the defeat of Socialism by Mussolini in 1926 to its resurgence as a powerful force in Italian politics today. Di Scala has not only combed the archives of Italy and America, but also interviewed an array of prominent Italian and American sources, providing testimonies that are themselves likely to become important historical documents. His sweeping, intensive survey sheds new light on important Socialists such as Rodolfo Morandi and Pietro Nenni, and highlights the tremendous accomplishments of Italy's first Socialist prime minister, Bettino Craxi. Di Scala demonstrates that through a remarkable intellectual and political revival, the Socialists overcame their subjection by the Communists and Christian Democrats and went on to radically transform the politics, economy, and international affairs of modern Italy.

This collection of essays on the history and condition of Italian socialism celebrates its achievements and analyses its downfall. The book traces the Italian Socialist party from its birth in the late 19th century, through the crisis brought on by Italian Fascism, into postwar democracy.