The Family of Gaetano Salvemini Under Fascism: The Inimical Son

Gaetano Salvemini was an Italian intellectual who was a historian, professor, and anti-fascist who mentored young intellectuals and political activists. Despite having a new family with his second wife, his stepson Jean Luchaire embraced fascism, highlighting the personal costs of his anti-fascism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Gaetano Salvemini, a prominent Italian intellectual of his generation, left an indelible mark on history as a historian, professor, and unwavering anti-fascist. His profound influence extended to mentoring a new generation of young intellectuals and political activists, including Piero Gobetti, Ernesto Rossi, and Carlo and Nello Rosselli. Tragically, Salvemini's life was profoundly shaped by personal tragedy when he lost his wife and children in the devastating 1908 Messina earthquake. However, his resilience led him to form a new family with his second wife, Fernande Dauriac, and her two children, Jean and Ghita.

Despite the significant impact this second family had on his life and politics, their involvement with fascism has remained largely unexplored. In his groundbreaking book, "The Inimical Son," author Francesco Conversano delves into an hitherto unknown dimension of Salvemini's life, shedding light on the personal costs of his unwavering anti-fascism. Through meticulous research and the exploitation of previously unused archival sources, Conversano uncovers a tragic twist that adds a new layer of complexity to Salvemini's narrative.

The book delves into the personal relationship between Salvemini and his stepson, Jean Luchaire, who embraced fascism and became a prominent figure in the French Vichy regime. Jean's conversion to fascism was a painful blow to Salvemini, as it contradicted the values and principles he had instilled in him. The book explores the complex dynamics between father and son, examining the forces that led Jean to stray from his father's path and the emotional toll it took on Salvemini.

"The Inimical Son" offers a poignant and insightful exploration of the complexities of family relationships, political ideologies, and personal sacrifice. It sheds light on the personal costs of standing up against fascism and highlights the enduring legacy of Gaetano Salvemini as a champion of democracy and human rights. Through its compelling narrative and meticulous research, the book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the 20th century's most turbulent period.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031238390
Edition number: 2nd ed. 2023