This is the story of how Silvio Berlusconi, Italy’s richest man and media entrepreneur, came to power and ruled Italy for five years. His ‘postmodern populism’ exploited the long-term crisis in Italian politics and created a culture of illegality that turned Italy into the most degenerate body politic in Europe. These dark years brought post fascists and the xenophobic Northern League together as Berlusconi’s governing allies, yet there were also creative moments amongst the opposition. The girotondi led by the film director Nanni Moretti and anti mafia movements in Sicily were amongst the new ‘associationism’ which took root in civil society. Based on years of travelling and writing, the book provides original insight into Italy’s politics and culture in the Berlusconi era.

An Italian version of the book, Un paese anormale was published by Effepi libri in 2006 with an additional chapter on the Italian election and Italy’s world cup victory.

Gino Bedani, Research Professor in Italian University of Swansea:

‘I know of no book in English dedicated with such focus and depth on Berlusconi’s politics. Geoff Andrews’ grasp of political culture is profound and reflective’.

Jim Newell, Reader in Politics, University of Salford:
‘unusually penetrating insights… beautifully written’.

Christian Wolmar The Oldie February 2006:
‘Andrews’ book is an excellent guide to the various possibilities of post-Berlusconi Italy’.