This Special Issue analyses the consequences of mechanisation in various fields in Mediterranean Europe in the 19th and 20th centuries. Following L. Papestefanakis' introduction, J. Ibarz examines the mechanisation of coal unloading in the port of Barcelona, while T. Betas examines technological progress, particularly in the Greek cigarette industry. P. Hadjittofi focuses on Cyprus and describes how the working conditions of gold and silversmiths have changed over time. In an additional featured article, B. Mandelli explores ethnic and class relations by looking at European miners who emigrated to southern Brazil in the mid-20th century. In his regular review, S. Berger assesses some of the new publications in the field of social movement studies and social history.