Mussolini and the Rise of Fascism by Donald Sassoon

Mussolini and the Rise of Fascism by Donald Sassoon

This innovative volume reveals the exquisite detail of the decorative compositions, their finesse, precision, and creativity. It also highlights the skill, patience, and pictorial imagination of the many thousands of craftsmen and their patrons.

The timeline runs for almost two thousand years, from the Buddhist stupa at Sanchi of the first century BC/AD to Rajput palace interiors of c. 1900. Hundreds of atmospheric photo- graphs are juxtaposed with graphic transpositions of the designs, patterns, and ornamentation to reveal the nature of the architectural detail, where stone, wood, mirror work, and plaster are transformed into masterworks of decorative art.

Praise for ‘The Culture of the Europeans’:

‘An absorbing, illuminating and enjoyable book…anyone with an interest in the development of culture…will find it interesting, informative and surprisingly entertainingIt is also packed with good sense.’ Daily Telegraph

‘Never less than penetrating in his comments…this…book shows how British historians such as Sassoon…now occupy the commanding heights of comparative European history and analysis.’ Financial Times

Donald Sassoon is Professor of History at Queen Mary, University of London. He is author of several books, including ‘Contemporary Italy: Politics, Economy and Society Since 1945’, ‘One Hundred Years of Socialism’ (Fontana 1997), ‘Mona Lisa: The History of the World’s Most Famous Painting’ and ‘The Culture of the Europeans: From 1800 to the Present’.