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.

After a century of participation in the political culture of Europe, the Italian Socialist party - damaged by corruption and payoff scandals - is all but defunct. This collection of original essays on the history and condition of Italian socialism celebrates its achievements and analyzes its downfall. The chapters trace the Italian Socialist party from its birth in the late nineteenth century, through the crisis brought on by Italian Fascism, into the unstable world of postwar democracy. Authors include American and Italian scholars and Italian political participants and commentators who gathered on the 100th anniversary of the party's birth, just as the scandals were breaking that would lead to its dissolution. The book contributes to the ongoing discussion about the "death of the Left" and will be a valuable addition to the literature on modern Italian history.