Invention of Sicily: A Mediterranean History

Sicily has been a crossroads of the Mediterranean for over 2000 years, conquered by empires but remains uniquely apart. Its history mixes myth, wars, maritime empires, and a people who refuse to be ruled. In its modern era, it has been the site of revolution, Cosa Nostra, and the refugee crisis.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 13 July 2021
Publisher: Verso Books

Sicily, situated at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, has played a pivotal role for over two millennia as a gateway between Europe, Africa, and the East. It has long been perceived as the boundary between Western civilization and the rest, yet it has never definitively belonged to either. Despite being conquered by empires such as the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and Hapsburg Spain, Sicily has managed to retain its unique identity. The island's history is a captivating mosaic that blends myth, warfare, maritime empires, and audacious crusades, all intertwined with a people who refuse to be subjugated.

In his captivating book, The Invention of Sicily, Jamie Mackay delves into the intricate layers of this enigmatic island. This story unfolds from ancient mythologies, but it has undergone continuous reinvention throughout centuries, shaped by conquest and resistance. The political and social developments in Sicily are inseparable from the nation's rich cultural heritage, encompassing ancient amphitheaters, Arab gardens, Baroque cathedrals, and renowned literature such as Giuseppe di Lampedusa's masterpiece, The Leopard, and the novels and plays of Luigi Pirandello.

In the modern era, Sicily has witnessed revolution, the rise of the Cosa Nostra, and, in the twenty-first century, the devastating impact of the refugee crisis. The Invention of Sicily serves as an enthralling introduction to the island, its history, and its vibrant people. It offers a comprehensive perspective on the island's past, present, and future, shedding light on its enduring significance in the world.

Weight: 396g
Dimension: 149 x 216 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781786637734