Thanos M. Veremis, A Brief History of the Asia Minor Catastrophe: A Critical Review

This review essay critically examines Thanos M. Veremis's A Brief History of the Asia Minor Catastrophe, originally published in Greek and published by Patakis Publishers in Athens. The review assesses the book's interpretation of the political and military failures that led to the Asia Minor Catastrophe of 1922, as well as its treatment of the subsequent consequences for Greek society and historiography. Particular attention is given to Veremis's use of primary and secondary sources, his critical evaluation of memoirs and documentary evidence, and his engagement with Turkish and international perspectives. The review also considers the strengths and limitations of the book, including its concise synthesis, accessibility, predominantly political and military focus, and comparatively limited treatment of social history and the experiences of civilians and refugees. The review situates Veremis's work within the broader historiography of the Asia Minor Campaign and compares it with major contributions by scholars including Giorgos Mavrogordatos, D. H. Llewellyn Smith, and Giorgos Dertilis. It concludes by assessing the book's contribution as a concise and critically informed synthesis of existing scholarship.