Crossword Genius

Whole of Italy books performance (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

intact

'whole' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'italy books performance' is the wordplay.
'italy' becomes 'i'.
'books' becomes 'NT' (abbreviation for New Testament).
'performance' becomes 'act' (act is a kind of performance).
'i'+'nt'+'act'='INTACT'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for intact that I've seen before include "Complete - undamaged" , "Unbroken - sound" , "Inviolate" , "without flaw?" , "All in one piece" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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