FWIW, I found Ellis to be better than Parker (though not by much) and his was my bible whilst at Cassino researching for my own book.
ropey, what does FWIW mean? That is a new acronym on me. I've heard in the past that Ellis went to press before Parker. I do think that Ellis's book is probably the best that one can buy.. Each to there own of course. At 600 pages, it does take some reading. I keep going back to it.. One day i will finish reading it! I must take it to work. The only other book that i have on Cassino is by FRED MAJDALANY CASSINO PORTRAIT OF A BATTLE. I think he came before Ellis, or Parker? I think Frank de Planta has a soft spot for Majdalany's book. How are doing with your own book? Regards, Stu.
FWIW: For what it's worth. As to books, as is often the case, it comes down to facts Vs colour. Once you feel you have a sufficient skeleton of dates and facts, you tend to prefer subsequent accounts to have more anecdotes and first-person narrative, but if you start with a narrative-heavy account, you'll be thirsting for statistics. It reminds me of GK chesterton's History of England. The whole book only contains four dates--and one of them is incorrect!
Charley, thanks For whats it's worth. I started with Majdalany's book then moved onto Ellis's. I'm not sure what you mean by GK chesterton's book? What has he to do with the above two books that I've mentioned? Sorry if I'm missing something here. Regards, Stu.
It's just an extreme example. Some histories are date/fact/data heavy and narrative light; others are light on technicalities and heavy on narrative, impressions and 'what the experience was like'. Good history book are very often good because they get the balance between the two perspectives right, zooming from the eagle's eye to the worm's at the right moment. In this case, Majdalany and E.D. Smith lean towards the worm's view of Cassino, Ellis--perhaps--the Eagle's. I rate Parker's as a good balance.
Yes, Majdalany was much earlier - 1957. My book - The Battles for Monte Cassino: Then and Now is still selling, and continues to get good reviews.
I had given up on campaign books. Then & Now sounds interesting though. Hats off to yourself for getting into print. Regards Stu.
I did have a butchers on that book-selling megasite & found it going for a song. It will have to be a hardback version though. Another door-stop book to buy then. Charley, did you get them pics that one sent? Regards, Stu.
