[...] The Hellenic Parliament has decided to commemorate the half centenary since the incorporation of the Dodecanese islands into the Greek state (28 October 1947) by organizing a number of celebratory events, including the publication of the present Short History. This work, which presents in simple and entertaining format a brief account of the Dodecanese from ancient times to 1947, is intended to mark the beginning of a new style of communication between the Hellenic Parliament and the public, by which it is hoped that people may become better acquainted with the historical background to the unique civilization that is Greece. (Apostolos Kaklamanis, from the preface of the book)