This book provides both a historical account of the circumstances that led to la rivoluzione italiana and an explanation of why it took place after decades of complacency. It deals with major events that occurred within the Italian party political system between 1976 and 1991.

Mark Gilbert is assistant professor of political science at Dickinson College.

Introduction -- Politics, Italian Style -- The Mafia and Politics -- The Lega Nord -- The End of Italian Communism -- The June 1991 Referendum -- A President Versus the Parties -- Operation Clean Hands -- Three Elections and a Trial -- Premier Berlusconi -- About the Book and Author