[MGSA-L] new book: History of (Modern) Greece for a undergraduates and a broad readership
Artemis S Leontis 1
aleontis at umich.edu
Thu Apr 26 22:46:26 PDT 2012
Please note that the following general introduction to the history of
Greece is now available in hardcover and in ebook:
The History of Greece
by Elaine Thomopoulos
published December 2011 by Greenwood (ABC-CLIO) in the Series: The
Greenwood Histories of the Modern Nations
ISBN 978-0-313-37511-8
eISBN 978-0-313-37512-5
$58.00
This complete history of Greece documents ancient times to the
present, giving specific attention to its emergence as a modern
European nation after the destruction, disease, and death Greece
suffered during World War II and the subsequent civil war.
In the last century, Greece has been ravaged by numerous wars,
diseases like malaria, and the brutal famine that resulted from its
occupation during World War II. Today, the nation of Greece is both a
modern, developed nation that is a popular tourist destination, and a
country facing a serious economic crisis.
Modern Greece started as a monarchy in 1832, with just a fraction of
the land it now encompasses. The nation of Greece finally forged its
identity in the 19th and 20th centuries after emerging from 400 years
of Ottoman domination. This book traces the development of Greece from
the Minoan civilization of Crete to modern times, telling the story of
how Greece added territory and experienced fierce growing
pains?including coups, dictatorships, depressions, enormous influxes
of immigrants, and wars?before evolving into today's modern democratic
state.
The History of Greece provides both an overview of Greece's early
history as well as an examination of the difficulties that emerged in
2009 and 2010, such as its recent financial problems and social
unrest. Quotes from Greek politicians, scholars, poets, and ordinary
citizens are included to communicate Greece's national character.
Features
? Provides an enlightening timeline of the history of Greece from
prehistoric time to 2010
? Includes maps illustrating Greece's regions, islands, cities, and
its growth into modern Greece
? A bibliography covers books and articles about the history,
ethnography, and politics of Greece, as well as various online resources
Highlights
? Emphasizes Greece's emergence as a modern democratic nation
following its declaration of independence from Ottoman rule in 1821
without neglecting mention of classical Greek contributions to western
civilization in the areas of philosophy, democracy, science, and art
? Analyzes Greece's civil war of 1944?1949 as a major contributor to
its ongoing civil strife
? Explores the role of the United States throughout Greece's recent
history, as well as the general ambivalence of Greek people towards
America
? Examines Greece's challenges in the 21st century, including riots,
forest fires, and the integration of new immigrants into its changing
nation
Elaine Thomopoulos, PhD, is an independent scholar who has authored
local history books and is editor of Greek-American Pioneer Women of
Illinois. She has published articles about Greece and Greek Americans
and is curator of the Greek Museum of Berrien County, Michigan.
Endorsements
"The succinct but broad survey of Hellenic traditions offered by
Elaine Thomopoulos offers students, especially those taking modern
Greek studies courses, a historical context for cultural studies in
various areas. The work wisely emphasizes the impact of World War II
and the Greek dictatorship of (1967-1974), the two periods which have
shaped contemporary Greek society." - Dan Georgakas, Director of the
Greek American Studies Project, Center for Byzantine and Modern Greek
Studies, Queens College (CUNY) and editorial board of Cineaste film
quarterly.
"Elaine Thomopoulos, in a clear and concise manner, gives an account
of the history of Greece that would appeal to most readers.
Interesting and especially useful for its chapters on contemporary
Greek History, it offers a valuable insight on the country?s
trajectory through?always turbulent, it seems?times." - Mathilde
Pyrli, Archivist, Photographic Archive, ELIA-MIET
"Elaine Thomopoulos is a gifted writer. Her book is a marvel of story
telling, one of the best histories of modern Greece. At a time when
Greece is suffering from economic hardships, it is refreshing and
enlightening to read this dispassionate and clear account of how
Greece came into being as a modern state and society. Greece will rise
again. I recommend this powerful book very strongly." - Evaggelos
Vallianatos, Ph.D., Write, Historian
"A thorough overview of the history of Greece from Prehistory to our
times, resulted after years of laborious and systematic work. This
objective, intelligible, and solidly documented book provides valuable
information to everyone who is interested in Greece and her people" -
Andronikos Falangas, Adjunct Professor, Columbia College Chicago
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