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The author attempts to interpret the growth and characteristics of fascist and nationalist ideologies in the light, not so much of psycho-analysis,
as of Marxist doctrine enlarged to include psycho-analytic knowledge within its scheme. That psycho-analysis is not altogether comfortable in its new home seems to be indicated by the following quotation (which, incidentally, appears in a footnote): 'Accordingly the Oedipus complex, discovered by Freud, is not so much the cause, as the result of the sexual restrictions imposed by society on the child. Yet the parents carry through the purposes of the ruling class and of the Church quite unconsciously'.
Two chapters, one on racial theory, and the other on the symbolism of the swastika, may whet analytical appetites, but will scarcely satisfy them.
Refreshing is the vigorous criticism of the errors of 'Vulgarmarxismus', chief among which is the tendency to regard all psychology as so much metaphysical hokum. A number of the objections commonly raised against communist doctrine would appear to be valid only for 'Vulgarmarxismus'. Communists would do well to read this book.