Monte Cassino: The Story of the Most Controversial Battle of World War II

I was looking for a book that detailed the human experience of this battle more than military strategy, and this was a perfect read. Well documented and well researched. The only thing I really missed was a detailed map of the area, which would have made the action much easier to follow.

I've spent a lot of time in Roccasecca, where von Senger was headquartered, and Hapgood and Richardson really capture the feel of the Roccasecca to Cassino stretch in the Liri Valley. Augment with Matthew Parker's book (I'm a bit surprised how Parker leaves out Roccasecca, the Melfa River battle, etc.), and you'll get a most vivid picture of the Cassino battle.

This book is a good overview of the battle but also takes the reader to the personal level with the Germans, Allies as well as the monks who were caught in the battle.

Hapgood and Richardson provide a well written account of the reasons behind the destruction of the Abbey at Monte Cassino during the Italian Campaign. It is of interest because the authors incorporated information taken from the Monk's diaries. The secret story of the German Commander, General Frido von Senger's attempts to save and protect the Abbey and the events leading to the Allied bombing are revealed. Its an easy read and makes you want to find other books on the same subject.