Italy and Its Discontents 1980-2001

It's easy to misinterpret or over-simplify the social, political and economic history of contemporary Italy. Too many of the events of the last twenty years seem designed to coincide with (and confirm) stereotyped images of the country. Administrative chaos and corruption revealed in the "Tangentopoli" scandals of the 90s. Mafia wars, assassinations and organised crime. Unpredictable and crisis-ridden government culminating in the emergence of Silvio Berlusconi as a political force.

In Italy and Its Discontents Paul Ginsborg avoids easy answers to difficult questions. He aims to provide a coherent analysis of contemporary Italy and he does so by structuring his book around the continuing importance of the family in Italian society. Both as reality and as metaphor the family is shown still to be at the heart of any understanding of the country. Family-run businesses dominate the economy, family contacts are used to deal with the twists and turns of the bureaucracy, political parties and the Catholic church alike continue to use the language of family in their propaganda. Ginsborg marshals an impressive array of detail and fact to support his subtle and intelligent interpretations of the last 20 years of Italian history. His book can sometimes seem dry and even (at times) forbiddingly academic, but for anyone looking to know more about the real rather than the stereotypical Italy of the last twenty years, it is essential reading. --Nick Rennison

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Discontent in Kickback City - Rated
An enormous amount has happened to the that glorious enigma of a country which is Italy in the last quarter century, so to see an eminent specialist in the field writing a book entitled Italy and its Discontents 1980-2001 should be a subject for general rejoicing. Alas, having ploughed through this weighty tome, I cannot give the book an unqualified welcome. It does have a number of strengths; Ginsborg certainly knows his country, the major political, social and economic issues are covered in thorough and organized fashion and there are a wealth of supporting tables and notes. However, if you are to present an account full of facts and figures there is a desperate need for the light touch and fluent readability possessed by the very best writers. Sadly this is seriously lacking here: in structure and style this has all the hallmarks of a textbook: fine perhaps for an undergraduate course in European Studies or a work of reference, but less appealing for those who want something more evocative of the spirit of a maddeningly glorious country which they may have visited or as in my case, lived in. The narrative tends to improve as the book progresses to the scandals of Tangentopoli and the re-drawing of the political landscape after the 1992 election with Ginsborg's comparisons between the U.K and Italy especially pertinent, but it remains a very solid read to the end. In summary, an essential purchase for the student or specialist in Italian politics or as a work of reference for the enthusiast, but readers who seek an enjoyable exploration of contemporary Italian life and society will be forced to look elsewhere.

Good review of an unsettling time - Rated
Having had little exposure to Italian politics and culture, this was an excellent start in understanding the attitudes and culture of the Italian people. Knowing their political culture, and appreciating their view of politicians is particularly useful if you want to understand Italy.

A very good book - excellent prose throughout.

Ginsborg explains Italy excellently - Rated
This book is yet another in depth look at Italy, by an author well-known among italophiles for his first book on the topic. Ginsborg explains Italian society and politics, using the family as his looking glass. It is this approach that makes Ginsborg's explanantions of what makes Italian society tick unique.
Even though quite academic in places (for instance the initial chapter on economics), this book is never so academic as to be incomprehensible. This book makes you want to continue reading to find out what comes next - a rare ocurrence with non-fiction!
If your interest in Italy goes further than reading accounts of those who set up house in Tuscany, then this book is definitely for you!