Duce: The Contradictions of Power

’“Duce” is a book of fascinating ambition and timeliness. Williamson weaves together snippets of important historical information into an engaging narrative, with a punchy and incisive style. A nuanced and well written argument.’ – Aristotle Kallis, Professor of Modern History, Keele University, and author of ‘Fascist Ideology’ and ‘The Third Rome’‘Weak or failed, mad or murderous, a dictator who was always right or always wrong–the debate on Italy’s Fascist leader continues. Williamson examines both Mussolini’s decision-making processes and his decisions. All those interested in the Italian dictatorship will benefit from his work.’ – Richard Bosworth, Emeritus Fellow, University of Oxford, and author of ‘Mussolini and the Eclipse of Italian Fascism’‘A well-informed and highly up-to-date analysis of one of Europe’s more controversial dictatorships. “Duce” probes all aspects of the long-lasting regime, asks the right questions and comes up with considered and convincing answers. An excellent and very readable study.’ – Paul Corner, Professor of European History, University of Siena, and author of ‘Mussolini in Myth and Memory’

Peter J. Williamson is a former scholar of political science and public policy (1980-91). His 2005 book Varieties of Corporatism covered Mussolini’s corporatist system, and he has retained an interest in Italy’s dictator since. He has also worked in the NHS and government at board director level in Scotland (1991-2014).