The Queen is due to visit the islands for the anniversary on 9 May

The book, written by historian Dr Paul Sanders, uses newly declassified documents and material from the former Soviet Bloc.

"The Channel Islands Under German Occupation" was commissioned by the Jersey Heritage Trust.

The last official book was written by Dr Charles Cruickshank 30 years ago.

Expert help

Dr Sanders is a specialist on the occupation of Europe during the war and has studied in Berlin, Paris and Cambridge.

In his foreword, the Bailiff, Sir Philip Bailhache, admits the book may make uncomfortable reading for some islanders.

It concentrates as much on the social and economic nature of the occupation as it does on the military side.

A panel of experts helped compile the new book, including former Bailiff Sir Peter Crill, who escaped to France from Jersey during the occupation, Joe Miere, who was imprisoned for acts of resistance and Bob le Sueur, who helped escaped Russian slave workers.