Politics and Symbols
Politics and Symbols
The Italian Communist Party and the Fall of Communism
(Yale University Press, 1996)
In the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union and its Communist satellites, the Italian Communist Party began a heated two-year struggle over its identity and future. David I. Kertzer tells the riveting story of how Italy's second largest political party transformed itself into the new Democratic Party of the Left. Kertzer illuminates not only the specifics of party in-fighting but also the importance of ritual, symbolism, and the redefinition of history in modern politics.
Reviews
Politics and Symbols
The Italian Communist Party and the Fall of Communism
Reviews
"Kertzer's book should be read by all political scientists, whether they are specialists in Italian communism or comparative European politics, or are interested in party behavior in general. . . . Kertzer provides welcome food for thought. Strongly recommended for general audiences, specialists, and students."
—Choice
“The powers of symbols, the magical power of words: Kertzer’s book offers an extraordinary illustration of the formidable impact of words and signs in the political universe.”
—Marc Abeles, L’Homme
“The story which unfolds is rich in drama and pathos, and David I. Kertzer tells it with great flair.”
—Donald Sassoon, Times Literary Supplement
“An intriguing, well written, and provocative book that deserves to find a readership beyond specialists in Italian history and politics.”
—Alexander De Grand, Political Science Quarterly
“David I. Kertzer in Politcs and Symbols develops an interesting and informative account of the demise of the Italian Communist Party.”
—Richard W. Wilson, World Politics