new book documenting the contribution of Irish and English volunteers in the Italian Risorgimento by Irish-American scholar Mary Jane Cryan has been released to coincide with the 150 th anniversary celebrations of the Unification of Italy.

The Irish and English in Italys Risorgimento reveals a largely forgotten aspect of the unification campaign, where a thousand Irish volunteers of St. Patricks Battalion flocked to Italy to defend the Pope, in opposition to the English soldiers of the British Legion who fought with the Italian hero Garibaldi.

Cryans research has unearthed letters, diaries and secret documents telling the story of these men who risked their lives to uphold ideals in a foreign land. The story of their efforts, sacrifices, troubles and hopes gives rare insight into a little known facet of that turbulent period in Italian history.

For information: www.elegantetruria.com  50yearsinitaly.blogspot.com