Schubert, Peter Italienfront 1915-1918

Italy's entry into the war in May 1915 created a new theater of war, characterized by high alpine terrain as well as the karst landscape along the lower Isonzo River. Hundreds died in avalanches, and tens of thousands fell in battles of attrition, often for minimal territorial gains. Serious leadership errors in the initial phase and militarily senseless actions on both sides increased the losses of Italians, Austrians, and soldiers of other nations. The victory at Flitsch-Tolmeinthe Italian debacle of Caporettoand the advance to the Piave River represented a victory that ultimately only prolonged the demise of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. What remained was a devastated landscape, shattered families, and broken livesand the seeds of the Second World War. Gross leadership errors in the initial phase and militarily pointless actions on both sides increased the losses of Italians, Austrians, and soldiers of other nations. Historian Peter Schubert has been studying this front for over 50 years. He has written seven books and numerous articles on First World War topics, worked with Walther Schaumann, and in that capacity contributed to the development of the "Peace Trails," open-air museums, and the museum in Kötschach-Mauthen. His book on the fighting on the Isonzo was published in German and Italian, and his book on the Piave battles in German, Italian, and Slovenian. Most recently, he published two volumes as a guide to historically important sites along the "Peace Trails" in Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. In this book, Schubert presents a modern account of the events, drawing on sources and narratives from both sides. It is as well-researched as it is compelling, even though he deliberately avoids the heroic tales and legends that have often been used to obscure the truth.