"Forti's compact, philosophical discussion of the history of the concept of 'totalitarianism' is the best available in any language. With the ongoing rise of right-wing populists eager to leave 'behind' their totalitarian lineage, this book is more pertinent than ever." Miguel Vatter, author of Divine Democracy "It takes a scholar of both exceptional learning and critical acuity to explain with precision the metamorphoses of an idea as multifaceted and elusive as totalitarianism. This gripping book has particularly urgent and disquieting implications for readers today." Alessia Ricciardi, author of Finding Ferrante "Forti asks us a sharp question, the child of our ambiguous and confused times: why do we need the category of totalitarianism? This book is both beautiful and disturbing. It must be read in one go." Nadia Urbinati, author of Me the People "Forti's main achievement consists of uniting different aspects of a complex idea in a comprehensive way. A clear narrative thread connects how the idea of totalitarianism evolves and transforms itself as it shifts from one discussion to another."Javier Burdman, Political Theory "Integrating the insights of political theory and contemporary politics, Forti offers a timely analysis of the 'evolving' concept of totalitarianism in theory and practice....Highly recommended."H. L. Cheek Jr., CHOICE "Totalitarianism began in Europe's interwar period. Political writing about totalitarianism began even earlier. Simona Forti's book Totalitarianism: A Borderline Idea in Political Philosophy offers a mixture of historical coverage and philosophical insight."Rich Shorten, H-Diplo