More than a chronological account of the Italian Campaign of World War II, this book is a unique discussion of decision-making and planning, as the Allied armies, assisted by their air forces and naval units, learned to work together to force their way up the length of the country, frustrated by obstinate German resistance, the mountainous terrain and extremes of the Italian climate. The tactical innovations and flaws of the desperate struggle to hold the beachhead at Salerno, the dogged assaults on the mountain fortress of Monte Cassino and the insufficiently strong landings at Anzio are all assessed in fascinating detail.<BR>Moreover, the book examines the role of the Sicily and Italian Campaign within the overall war strategy of both sides, the consequences of which remain controversial to this day.