MUSSOLINI was a different man to different people.

To some Italians he was a hero, the man who brought stability to an unstable land. When you see the length of his stay in power and compare it to the constant change of governments in today's Italy, they may have a point. To others he was the Fascist who led Italy into a disastrous war and had scant regard for their preferred form of government.

This is a minutely researched and very worthy account of everything you could possibly want to know about the man. It puts his actions into the context of the major Italian and international events of the time, setting out different accounts of what he did when and with whom, leaving you to decide which one is right.

Nicholas Farrell grounds himself in fact and always seeks the evidence of as many sources as possible. His book feels like a history thesis, yet one written in a readable style.

Wherever you stand, it is worth reading this book carefully. You may find your opinions changed. You may want to throw it away in disgust because you do not agree with the author, which would be a mistake.

By the time you have worked through 477 closely-written pages, you will be far better informed about one of the great/infamous men of the last century.

Updated: 09:38 Wednesday, July 28, 2004