Count Ciano disappeared from Rome in late 1943. Ciano wrote a letter on December 23 to King Victor Emmanuel that the Germans had moved him to Bavaria. Ciano was then held in custody by the Gestapo in Verona for three months. According to Ciano, Mussonili's sinister ambitions and unquenchable thirst for military glory had caused the downfall of his people and country. Ciano's diaries document a chronological list of important events. He provides a list of characters to facilitate the identification of persons who are referred to in his diaries.

Map on end papers.

January 1, 1939-April 16, 1939 The Attack on Albania -- April 17, 1939-September 6, 1939 Forging the Axis -- September 7, 1939-June 10, 1940 Into War -- June 11, 1940-June 22, 1941 Fluctuating Hopes -- June 23, 1941-November 2, 1942 Twilight of Glory -- November 3, 1942-December 23, 1943 Collapse.