Giovanni Gentile's standing in the United States (1922–1938)

Abstract

In his preface to The Social Philosophy of Giovanni Gentile, HS Harris wrote that “[Gentile's] association with Fascism, of which he was an ardent supporter from 1923 until his own death during the last throes of the Fascist Social Republic, prejudiced the issue. Critical evaluation of his political and social thought has been almost impossible for the Italians themselves because of the general climate of political opinion both before and after his death; and almost everyone outside Italy followed the lead given by Croce and dismissed Gentile's practical philosophy as unworthy of serious critical examination.” This statement undoubtedly points at an effective historiographical question. The present article aims to shed light on this issue, taking into consideration specifically the writings published about Gentile in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. Some research has already been undertaken in this field, but it seems ripe for being further developed. Interest in the work of Gentile came especially from the intellectual circles of Columbia University and his work has usually been interpreted by historians as resulting from pro-fascist leanings. Yet, a closer examination of sources and consequently a more analytical reconstruction of the context suggests that the reception of the educational thought of Gentile and the knowledge of his political activity during the Fascist regime took place in the United States quite independently from political sympathies.