Max Gallo Criticism
Max Gallo, a prominent French novelist and historian, has made significant contributions to both historical fiction and nonfiction, earning praise for his detailed and accessible portrayals of modern history and European leaders. His works often blend extensive historical research with narrative flair, appealing to readers interested in the complexities of twentieth-century events. Gallo's The Night of Long Knives is an exemplary work, showcasing his ability to distill complex historical data into a compelling account of Hitler's 1934 purge, as noted in reviews by Joseph C. Harsch and C. F. Latour. His work Robespierre the Incorruptible employs psychological insights to explore the character of a key figure in the French Revolution, as observed by John P. Reid.
Gallo's biographical approach is evident in Mussolini's Italy, praised for its historical competence and effective narrative style as discussed by Edgar Lustgarten. Spain under Franco offers a detailed look at Franco's regime, though some critiques, like that of Jose M. Sanchez, note a one-sided perspective. Gallo's fictional works, such as With the Victors, are commended for their engaging narratives that weave personal and historical elements, though they sometimes receive criticism for character development, as noted by The New York Times Book Review.
Critics appreciate Gallo's straightforward, journalistic style and his ability to bring historical periods to life through both his fictional and nonfictional narratives. His work is often compared to that of Honore de Balzac for its narrative structure and complexity. While some have pointed out historical inaccuracies in his portrayals, Gallo's overall contribution to understanding twentieth-century history through engaging storytelling is widely acknowledged. His works continue to be valuable resources for readers and scholars alike, providing insights into the social and political dynamics that have shaped modern Europe.
Contents
- Principal Works
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Essays
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Robespierre the Incorruptible: A Psychobiography
(summary)
In the following review, Reid favorably assesses Robespierre the Incorruptible, contending that it is a laudable study of the psychological aspects of Robespierre's character.
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The Night of Long Knives
(summary)
In the following favorable review of The Night of Long Knives, O'Brien discusses Gallo's use of historical documentation as a basis for understanding why Hitler liquidated several powerful allies.
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Nazi History: The Haphazard Purge
(summary)
In the following favorable review of The Night of Long Knives, he comments on Gallo's literary style and his utilization of the historical record.
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Joseph Lee on Interpretations of Hitler, the Man
(summary)
In the following excerpt of a review of several books on Hitler, Lee examines The Night of Long Knives, focusing on its literary style and historical credibility.
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The Night of Long Knives
(summary)
The following is a mixed review of The Night of Long Knives. The dramatic story of Hitler's purge of the SA on the night of June 29-30, 1934 is told by Max Gallo in a detailed scenario in which time shifts both forward and backward, the past flowing into the present, the present moment containing the past. His sources are given only in general terms and it is difficult to assess what is vouched for and what imagined in this reconstruction. His presentation is effective, and the events of the June and July days of 1934 are shown in the perspective of Hitler's Deutschland pact with the Reichswehr and his subsequent assumption a few weeks later of complete control of the Reich as Hindenburg's successor Head of State. The plates include a number of unusual photographs which illustrate the story excellently, and the translation is smooth, though the historic present which is so convincing in French tends to jar on the English ear. The flash-back, flash-forward technique gives all that is required by a reader coming fresh to the story, but it needs all his concentration if he is not to be confused by the almost overwhelming detail of this Sekundenstil.
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The Caudillo: A Strategy for Survival
(summary)
In the following review, the critic favorably assesses Spain under Franco, applauding its detailed history of Francisco Franco's rise to power but faulting its examination of the inner workings of the Franco government.
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Spain under Franco
(summary)
In the following review of Spain under Franco, he comments on Gallo's journalistic style and his mixing of historical fact with personal opinion.
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The Night of Long Knives
(summary)
In the following review, Latour states that despite some faults, The Night of Long Knives is a fine tale of horror for the general reader.
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The Dream of Empire, Again
(summary)
In the following review, Frohlich applauds Gallo's command of contemporary history in Mussolini's Italy.
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A review of Spain under Franco
(summary)
In the following favorable review of Spain under Franco, he applauds Gallo's writing style and use of historical detail while faulting his one-sided view of Francisco Franco.
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Demon into Clown
(summary)
In the following review of Mussolini's Italy, he favorably assesses Gallo's writing style, historical competence, and biographical skill.
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Mussolini's Italy
(summary)
In the following review, the critic favorably comments on Mussolini's Italy, contending that it is good "popular" history. Max Gallo's book does not claim to offer a distinctive interpretation of Mussolini and Fascism; it relies almost completely on secondary sources. M Gallo has written an unashamedly "popular" history, and his book should be judged in those terms. It is, in effect, a series of dramatic set-pieces linked by narrative; it ranges from Mussolini's errant and itinerant youth and early manhood, through the March on Rome, the Matteotti affair, the Ethiopian conquest and the Second World War, to the final collapse of Fascism and the humiliation of the dictator's corpse in a Milan garage.
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With the Victors
(summary)
In the following review, the critic favorably assesses With the Victors. In this sensitive account, history and conjecture are imaginatively interwoven in the story of Marco Naldi, son of an Italian landowner. With the Victors begins in the fall of 1917 at the time of the Italian defeat at Caporetto. Marco's father is killed in the war and he is gruffly befriended by Ferri, one of his father's contemporaries, who later becomes a prominent Fascist. Marco enlists in the army in his father's place and also makes friends with Alatri, a Communist. In the Post World War I Italian political upheaval Marco feels he should take his place with the aristocracy, which now means Fascism, especially when he is mocked and insulted by the peasants for his wartime bravery. Yet he also feels bound by the principles of noblesse oblige which characterized his father, at least in part. And Marco is also prone to the fears and weaknesses of the flesh. Naturally, torment follows in this interesting perspective on the important figures and events of the Mussolini era.
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With the Victors
(summary)
In the following unfavorable review, the critic assesses Gallo's literary style and development of characters in With the Victors.
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The Poster in History
(summary)
In the following excerpt, she reviews The Poster in History, contending that the book is a "sloppy treatment" of the subject.
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Le cortège des vainqueurs
(summary)
In the following review of Le cortège des vainqueurs, Crosby praises the book's detailed historical setting and literary style but faults the poor character development.
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Les hommes naissent tous le même jour 1: Aurore
(summary)
In the following review of Les hommes naissent tous le même jour 1; Aurore, O'Connor favorably assesses the book's literary style and plot but faults the character development.
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La fontaine des innocents
(summary)
In the following review of La fontaine des innocents, Cooper favorably assesses its plot, themes, and characters.
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L'amour au temps des solitudes
(summary)
In the following favorable review, Cooper comments on the character development and the mixture of history and fiction in L'amour au temps des solitudes.
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Le regard des femmes
(summary)
In the following favorable review, he comments on the plot, themes, and literary style of Le regard des femmes.
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Robespierre the Incorruptible: A Psychobiography
(summary)
- Further Reading