Tom Behan

British born, Irish in origin and Italian by adoption, Dr Tom Behan, Senior Lecturer in Italian Studies at the University of Kent at Canterbury and an active member of the British Socialist Workers Party for over 30 years, passed away on 30 August 2010. The news of his death came to us with shock and surprise as he wished to deal with his illness privately. He was just 53 years of age. Behan's effect on both the historical and political worlds of Britain and Italy is, by all accounts, extraordinary. His many books on Italian history and politics - especially on Mussolini (2003), the Camorra (1996; 2002; 2004; 2009), the Mafia (2008), and the Resistance Movement (2009) are not only uncomfortable and disconcertingly powerful readings, but also memorable sketches written out of necessity by a man who stood up to Italian organized crime - someone who dared with courage and resistance to speak out, and did so for very many years, and with a profoundly powerful voice. (Full Article available at: http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/art.php?id=22528)~~~Author: Dr. Carmen Casaliggi © Socialist Worker