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.

Spencer Di Scala is an Italian and European history professor at the University of Massachusetts Boston. He was formerly the Graduate Program Director in the History Department. His professional publications and contributions include Twentieth Century Europe: Politics, Society, Culture; Italy: From Revolution to Republic, 1700 to the Present; and Renewing Italian Socialism: Nenni to Craxi. Professor Di Scala is the recipient of the national excellence in teaching award for 2007 from the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA), of the 2006 outstanding faculty award from the New England Chapter of the UCEA for his innovative pedagogy and teaching, of awards from the Italian government for his scholarship, and of awards for his community outreach.