Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

The first thematic analysis of the Battles of Monte Cassino brings to light new and controversial ideas and information about some of the most critical battles of World War II

The Allied forces' actions in and around Monte Cassino in Italy remain some of the most controversial of World War II. Adolf Hitler described them as the battles that came closest to the bitter struggles on the Western Front. This reappraisal of the battles brings new information about the events at Cassino to light. This is another campaign narrative but a fresh look at some of the key aspects of the battles--the controversial bombing of the Benedictine monastery, the effectiveness of the commanders involved on both sides, the consequences of the Anzio beachhead, the performance of the Germans, and why four agonizing battles were needed to defeat the Germans at Cassino.

Table of contents provided by Syndetics

• Foreword (p. vii)
• Acknowledgements (p. x)
• Abbreviations (p. xiii)
• Operation Codenames (p. xiv)
• List of Maps (p. xvi)
• Introduction (p. xvii)
• Timeline, 1944 (p. xxii)
• 1 The Four Cassino Battles: An Overview (p. 1)
• 2 The Anzio Magnet (p. 28)
• 3 War Crime or Military Necessity? The Bombing of Monte Cassino Abbey (p. 35)
• 4 Climbing the Flagpole: Lieutenant General Mark Clark, Part 1 (p. 57)
• 5 Masters of the Air? Part 1 (p. 77)
• 6 The Melting Point: Alex and the Generals (p. 99)
• 7 Masters of the Air? Part 2 (p. 134)
• 8 Hero or Bum? Lieutenant General Mark Clark, Part 2 (p. 168)
• 9 The Other Side of the Hill: The Germans at Monte Cassino (p. 195)
• 10 A Mighty Coalition? (p. 208)
• Select Bibliography (p. 247)
• Notes (p. 252)
• Index (p. 281)

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Distinguished New Zealand military historians Harper and Tonkin-Covell add important new information and analysis to the already impressive list of works on the most famous battle of WWII's Italian Campaign. In recognition of the fact that the battle history of the Monte Cassino campaign has been already been very well done by several distinguished military historians, the authors' analysis of the battle eschews the normal battle narrative in favor of topical approach that focuses in great detail on the key personalities, decisions, and legacies of the battle. A highlight of the work is the authors' critical analysis of the capabilities, leadership style, and decision-making of two important allied leaders of the campaign: American General Mark Clark and his British superior, General Sir Harold Alexander. Other important topics addressed here are the contribution of air power to the campaign; the moral, ethical, and legal issues surrounding the bombing of the Abbey of Monte Cassino; and the practical difficulties of coalition warfare. Harper and Tonkin-Covell's unique approach to the subject makes it a solid read on its own while it adds welcome depth for those who are already somewhat familiar with the major personalities and events of WWII. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.