MUSSOLINIS GREEK ISLAND : FASCISM AND THE ITALIAN OCCUPATION OF SYROS IN WORLD WAR II PB – SHEILA LECOEUR

"A powerful and unique study of the realities and long-term impact of occupation, ""Mussolini s Greek Island"" reveals the Italian dictator s imperial vision, the mechanisms of Italian occupation and its tragic consequences. The small island of Syros is a vital entry-point illuminating Italian imperialism – its ethos, fascist connection, pretension and administrative achievements, marred by famine. Here Lecoeur examines the devastating effects of war and occupation on the local community – starvation, corruption and survival – and, drawing on local archives and interviews with survivors, offers new insight into this crucial but little known episode. Enriching our understanding of Mussolini s hegemonic visions and the mechanisms of occupation, a key issue of our times, this path-breaking book will appeal to scholars of fascism, World War II and military occupation in general."