Tai išsami studija anglų kalba apie 1940–1990 metų Lietuvos okupaciją. Šią knygą rašė istorikai, remdamiesi naujausiais tyrimais ir istoriniais šaltiniais, kurie iki 1990 m. buvo istorikams neprieinami.
The collective monograph aims to summarize all the newest history – related researrch of the recent deceades about Lithuania. This is one the first books summarizing all the developments during the five decades – long foreign annexation of Lithuania. The annexation influenced the life of all Lithuanians. There were many factors influencing the Lithuanian history, which are represented in the book : wars and their consequences, economic changes, cultural restriction, the Curch's resistance, the resistance movement members and foreign invaders, the world –wide diaspora of Lithuanians and Lithuania-based dissidents, who fought for the independence until gaining it.