Review: How Fascism Works by Jason Stanley

I attempted to read this book but couldn't progress far due to fundamental methodological problems. The author's approach undermines his credibility through selective evidence and condescending treatment of opposing viewpoints.

Stanley's argument structure relies on cherry-picked facts stripped of historical context. His analysis of fascist rhetoric demonstrates this problem clearly. In examining 1920s-1930s fascist language, he misinterprets the term "mystic" as literal fantasy rather than understanding its historical meaning.

Stanley quotes Nazi ideologue Alfred Rosenberg's reference to "mythological past" and frames this as delusional thinking. However, basic research reveals Rosenberg was invoking Germany's perceived Golden Age - similar to how modern Greeks might reference classical Athens as their "mythic period." This isn't fantasy; it's standard historical romanticization that every culture practices.

This misrepresentation raises serious questions about Stanley's methodology. Either he lacks basic historical literacy(problematic for a Yale professor) or he's deliberately distorting evidence to support predetermined conclusions. Both possibilities damage the book's intellectual value.

The book functions primarily as ideological reinforcement for readers already aligned with Stanley's political perspective. It offers no new analytical frameworks or challenging insights. The writing assumes intellectual superiority while demonstrating sloppy research practices.

Skip this book unless you're studying contemporary progressive political rhetoric rather than fascism itself.

The book succeeds only as confirmation bias material for progressive audiences seeking validation rather than understanding.