Henry Carter Hull

Was the Allied invasion of Italy a strategic necessity or, as many at the time suggested, a sideshow? Consider both sides in this episode on Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, and two key battles (at Monte Cassino and Anzio) that illustrate the incredible tenacity of Allied soldiers, but also the uninspired generalship that led to an enormous waste of lives.

excerpt from GENERAL INTRODUCTION A two-fold purpose has been kept in view during the preparation of these volumes—on the one-hand, to refresh the memories and, if possible, to enlarge the knowledge, of readers who have already visited Europe; on the other, to provide something in the nature of a substitute for those who have not yet done so, and to inspire them with new and stronger ambitions to make the trip.

Set on and around a summer tourist island off the coast of Sicily, TERRAFERMA tells the story of two struggling, yet disparate families, whose members become fatefully intertwined. A well-intentioned, but illegal rescue of immigrant "boat people" forces the individuals of the indigenous family to choose between their economic survival and doing the morally right thing.

The Last Godfathers charts the spectacular rise and the fall of one of the richest and most powerful criminal organizations in history, the Sicilian mafia's Corleone clan. From humble origins in the town of Corleone, they manipulated the Cosa Nostra's code of honor, deceiving and bludgeoning to the summit of the secret brotherhood, purging rivals and launching terrorist campaigns which decimated anti-mafia judges, police and politicians. Journalist...

"On her sixtieth birthday, Auntie Poldi retires to Sicily, intending to while away the rest of her days with good wine, a view of the sea, and few visitors. But Sicily isn't quite the tranquil island she thought it would be, and something always seems to get in the way of her relaxation. When her handsome young handyman goes missing--and is discovered murdered--she can't help but ask questions. Soon there's an investigation, a smoldering police inspector,...

"An emotional, action-packed epic of love and justice, set during the rise of the Mafia in Sicily"-- "Loyalty can save a soul--or destroy one. Franco Fiorvanti is a handsome laborer toiling on the estate of a baron. He dreams of owning a lemon grove, but the rigid class system of Sicily thwarts his ambition. When the baron asks him to kidnap a little boy, Franco makes a decision that will change his life--and the history of Sicily.. Gaetano Catalano...

"Sicily, 1943. Three American women, all nurses in the Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, are determined to do all they can for their country. Vita is fun-loving, Dot shy and sweet-natured, and Evelyn practical and determined, but for all their differences, a life of military service pulls the three together as firm friends. When they're selected for a daring mission, the women are proud to play their part. But disaster strikes when their...

"A poignant and transporting cross-cultural love story set against the lush backdrop of the Sicilian countryside, where one woman discovers the healing powers of food and family in her darkest hour"--Jacket.