Oxford-based social scientist and military historian Thompson describes what he calls the most savage fighting of the Great War, along the front where Italy attacked the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a million men died in battle, of wounds or diseases, or as prisoners. It was called white because of the mountains: bare rock either blaring in the summer sun or covered with winter snow. His topics include a mania for expansion, Cadorna's clenched fist, from position to attrition, year zero, the return blow, starlight from violence, whiteness, the gospel of energy, the traitor of Carzano, and from victory to disaster. First published in hardback in 2009. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)