This is a controversial study of Agnelli and the network of Italian power. Friedman makes a series of startling allegations about Europe’s most glamorous businessman and uncrowned king of Italy. The author was named “Young Journalist of the Year” in 1982. It is the story of a remarkable Italian dynasty, of intrigue and alleged improprieties at the pinnacles of international finance and politics; of dealings with prime ministers, with the White House, and the Pentagon and Moscow; and of the unholy alliances Agnelli has made with dictators such as Colonel Gadaffi of Libya. Above all, it is the story of a relentless drive to expand and crush the opposition. Agnelli’s empire has been accused of skirting the edges of the law but some examples have never been documented. No Italian has dared to call into question Italy’s “de facto” royal family, and many foreign journalists have been charmed and “sweetened” by Agnelli’s people into silence.
