"This narrative history of Cyprus - the most thorough and up-to-date account currently available - examines the modern history of the island during a period of enormous change. Topics covered range from the British acquisition of Cyprus in 1878, when its strategic importance was cemented, to the more recent American and Soviet involvement during the Cold War. It focuses particularly on the period leading up to and following the Turkish invasion of 1974, the apparent moves towards reunification, and the growing importance of the EU both for Cyprus (which joined in May 2004) and for Turkey. The book will be an essential reference tool for all those interested in Cyprus and the emerging politics of the Eastern Mediterranean."--Bloomsbury Publishing.