Sicily, Salerno, Anzio: January 1943-June 1944

Volume 9 of Morison's comprehensive history covers the period of the opening of the second front in the Mediterranean, focusing on three major amphibious operations: the march from North Africa to Sicily (Operation Husky), the campaigns at Salerno and Naples (Operation Avalanche), and the action at Anzio (Operation Shingle). These complicated campaigns were charged with controversy stemming from an almost complete cleavage of opinion at the highest level of strategic decision. While the British wanted to step up operations in the Mediterranean, the Americans favored a frontal attack on the German armies. Morison brilliantly unravels the strategic thinking on all sides as well as the dramatic events as they actually occurred, culminating in the Allies' triumphal entry into Rome on June 5, 1944. Combining atmospheric accounts of beach landings and explosive naval skirmishes, deft sketches of leaders and their men, and sophisticated summaries of the various perspectives that converged into strategy, Morison brings the Italian campaigns vividly to life. Distinguished by his hallmark blend of the tactical and human components of war, Morison's history provides an immensely satisfying account of these great campaigns.