ORS ON THE BOOT

Morgan was foreign correspondent for the A.P. in Italy when Mussolini came into power. For 27 years he has observed keenly, and stored impressions of the changing scene. Here is the result swift journalence, an irreverent picture of the coming of Fascism to Italy, a full length, though perhaps not deep cut portrait of Mussolini, and of Italy under him. He shows all sides, grave and sordid; he reveals Mussolini's and chicanary, deceptions, political and social acrobatics, his currying favor with church and state, his spy system, his ruthlessness when he no longer needs help. Finally his bluff called Hitler -- and Italy betrayed. Essentially readable.