'Richly impressive hard to surpass' William Boyd 'A notable account of an epic human
experience' Max Hastings 'James Holland brings every inch of this battle vividly to life'
History Revealed 'This excellent book... The Savage Storm reinforces Holland's reputation as
certainly the busiest and probably the most popular military historian of the second world war
working today' Spectator 'A must for anyone wanting to better understand the brutal
campaign... thoroughly deserves a place on the bookshelf' Soldier Magazine
_____________________ From the bestselling author of Brothers in Arms comes the story of the
most pivotal Allies campaign of World War II. With the invasion of France the following year
taking shape and hot on the heels of victory in Sicily the Allies crossed into Southern Italy
in September 1943. They expected to drive the Axis forces north and be in Rome by Christmas.
And although Italy surrendered the German forces resisted fiercely and the swift hoped-for
victory descended into one of the most brutal battles of the war. Even though shipping and
materiel were already being safeguarded for the D-Day landings there were still huge
expectations on the progress of the invading armies but those shortages were to slow the
advance with tragic consequences. As the weather closed in the critical weeks leading up to
Monte Cassino would inflict a heavy price for every bloody hard fought mile the Allied troops
covered. Chronicling those dark dramatic months in unflinching and insightful detail The
Savage Storm is unlike any campaign history yet written. James Holland has always recounted the
Second World War at ground level but this version telling brings the story vividly to life
like never before. Weaving together a wealth of letters diaries and other incredible
documents Holland traces the battles as they were fought - across plains over mountains
through shattered villages and cities in intense heat and towards the end frigid cold and
relentless rain - putting readers at the heart of the action to create an entirely fresh and
revealing telling of this most pivotal phase of the war. _____________________ Praise for
James Holland 'Impeccably researched and superbly written' Observer 'Holland has something
new to say.... Filled with insight and detail' Neil Oliver 'James Holland is the best of the
new generation of WW2 historians' Sebastian Faulks '[A] captivating and dramatic account. . .
Drawn from letters and diaries Holland's immersive narrative is told through the eye-level
perspectives... Readers will be enthralled' Publishers Weekly 'A remarkable achievement by a
historian at the height of his powers. Holland has successfully illustrated both the
significance and the savagery of the Italian campaign... through a powerful and compelling
narrative' Military History Matters
