The first and most obvious question to ask of this book is: why would anybody be at all interested in Francis Parker Yockey? He was an obscure fascist ideologue, author of books that were little read and less understood, paranoid and secretive and almost permanently on the run. When he committed suicide, shortly after his capture by the FBI in 1960, he was hardly known even within the far-Right. So, why should anyone be interested?

What made Yockey different to many of his comrades in the far-Right was his insistence that the United States was the ultimate enemy. Where many on the Right, particularly in the States and in Europe, saw Russia and Communism as the focus of their hatred, Yockey saw America and American capitalism as the primary threat. Of course this wasn't an entirely original view-point, the 'National Bolshevik' wing of fascism has existed for as long as fascism has existed as a distinct ideology. There were those who always saw through the Soviet rhetoric and recognised the affinities between National Socialism and State Socialism. Indeed, straight after the war the Russians were pumping money to German neo-Nazis who had adopted an anti-American line (see The Beast Reawakens by Martin Lee). However, this trend had little influence in the States, where a more traditional far-Right existed.

Kevin Coogan's book describes what is known of Yockey's life, though it has to be said that trying to piece together a life that was lived in shadow is no easy task. While much is known about Yockey's earlier life, once he became fully engaged with his 'underground' existence things tend to get hazy. However, Coogan skilfully waves the story, and there are enough diversions along the way to keep the book interesting.

Yockey's life and work sheds light on the post-war fascist scene, and in particular some of the individuals involved in this nebulous world of shifting alliances and factional back-biting. In some of the more interesting sections of the book Coogan uncovers some of Yockey's links to the Eastern Block and to various 'leftist' individuals. That he was involved with Palestinians and anti-Zionists, for example, is to be expected, partly. That he seemed to be involved with supporting Castro and the Cuban government is a little more surprising.

Why is Yockey interesting? Because his legacy lives on and has taken root in a big way. His style of fascism tries to blur the distinctions between 'left' and 'right'. His style of fascism is as likely to support Third World nationalism, black racial separatists, animal liberation and working class rights. His style of fascism is ready to work with people on the 'left', and indeed are actively attempting to pass themselves off as left-wing revolutionaries. Taking a look at a 'National Anarchist' or 'National Bolshevik' web site is a disorientating experience. That's why Yockey is interesting. Now, more than ever, it is important that we know our enemies.