This is the second book in Rick Atkinson's trilogy of the American Army in the European theater during World War II. His first, An Army at Dawn, received the Pulitzer Prize in History, and well deserved it.
The Day of Battle covers the war in Sicily and Italy, a time of heavy casualties and intense frustration for the allies. Some historians suggested that this book was also worthy of the Pulitzer Prize. My personal opinion is that while this is an outstanding history of that campaign, it does not match An Army at Dawn. However, it is an important addition to the history of that campaign and should be read by anyone interested enough in World War II to understand what happened and why. I was particularly interested in the activities of the French Corps and the depictions of the American corps and divisional commanders. You do not find this type of information in a "general" book covering the overall campaign.
As such, it is a valuable addition to my library and I look forward to the last book in his trilogy.
The Day of Battle covers the war in Sicily and Italy, a time of heavy casualties and intense frustration for the allies. Some historians suggested that this book was also worthy of the Pulitzer Prize. My personal opinion is that while this is an outstanding history of that campaign, it does not match An Army at Dawn. However, it is an important addition to the history of that campaign and should be read by anyone interested enough in World War II to understand what happened and why. I was particularly interested in the activities of the French Corps and the depictions of the American corps and divisional commanders. You do not find this type of information in a "general" book covering the overall campaign.
As such, it is a valuable addition to my library and I look forward to the last book in his trilogy.
