Benedetto Croce and the Birth of the Italian Republic, 1943-1952

As president of the Italian Liberal Party, Benedetto Croce was one of the most influential intellectuals involved in Italian public affairs after the fall of Mussolini. Placing Croce at the centre of historical events between 1943 and 1952, this book details his participation in Italys political life, and his major contributions to the rebirth of Italian democracy. Drawing on a great amount of primary material, including Croces political speeches, correspondences, diaries, and official documents from post-war Italy, this book illuminates the dynamic and progressive nature of Croces liberalism and the shortcomings of the old Liberal leaders. Providing a year-by-year account of Croces initiatives, author Fabio Fernando Rizi fills the gap in Croces biography, covering aspects of his public life often neglected, misinterpreted, or altogether ignored, and restores his standing among the founding fathers of modern Italy.