Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first account in English of a much-overlooked, but important, First World War battlefront located in the mountains astride the border between Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Trade ReviewSchindler provides a vivid, compelling narrative of some of the most appalling fighting of the entire war. . . . [T]he book meets a real need for a modern, English-language account of Italy's major effort in the war. The most appalling fighting of the entire war. . . . [T]he book meets a real need for a modern, English-language account of Italy's major effort in the war. Of greatest interest to specialists and graduate students. * Choice *
The first definitive English-language account of WWI's just-about-forgotten epic clash between Italy and Austria-Hungary. The dozen battles fought in the Isonzo valley stand out for the scale of their slaughter, cruelty, courage, and ghastly military-command pigheadedness in the face of failure. * Steve Forbes, in ^IForbes^R magazine *
Isonzo is a must read for those interested in World War I, modern Italian history, or the Hapsburg Army. * The New York Military Affairs Symposium Newsletter *
His accuracy and attention to detail will impress readers who have traveled in the region. . . . Schindler's work is worthwhile reading for anyone with an interest in the First World War. * The Journal of Military History *
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction
The Road to War Italia irredenta A Hopeless Struggle
1915 "The Hour of the Triumph of the Finest Values" The Battle of Monte San Michele Materielschlacht: Assembly-Line War "The Superior is Always Right, Especially When He is Wrong"
1916 A So-Called Battle The Battle of Gorizia The Triumph of Attrition
1917 A Hundred Thousand Shells an Hour Bainsizza Breakthrough Caporetto
1918 An Italian Renaissance "Austria is in your Camp"
Epilogue Since Then The Battlefield Today Maps Placenames Essay on Sources Bibliography
