The Generalissimo
Luigi Cadorna and the Italian Army, 1850–1928

Major new biography tracing the rise, command, and reputation of Italy's most controversial general.

Marco Mondini (Author)

9781009098670, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 14 August 2025

280 pages
23.5 x 16 x 2.1 cm, 0.56 kg

'The leading Italian First World War historian of his generation, Marco Mondini expertly presents a convincing and balanced reappraisal of Cadorna's command. This long-overdue critical study of Italy's controversial chief of general staff makes an essential contribution to debates over leadership, strategy and tactics in the First World War.' Vanda Wilcox, John Cabot University, Rome

Luigi Cadorna remains one of the most controversial generals in Italian history. Appointed chief of the armed forces in 1914, he led the Italian army in the field from May 1915 until the aftermath of their calamitous defeat at Caporetto in 1917. In this major new biography, Marco Mondini traces Cadorna's rise, the nature of his command, the course of the Isonzo campaign, and the battles over his post-war reputation. He brings a new cultural perspective to Cadorna's life, demonstrating the role of Italy's military and national culture, the myths of the Risorgimento, and the mobilization of propaganda in creating an effective cult of personality. Utilizing ego-documents, memoirs, letters and public writings, Mondini delves into the ideology and psychology that combined to create such an untouchable autocrat, arguing that the history of fascism in Italy cannot be fully understood without appreciating Cadorna's role in the First World War.

Introduction: forgetting Cadorna
Part I. The Ascent: 1. The force of destiny
2. 'That most imperfect military organization': the army in Cadorna's time
3. Waiting for war
Part II. The Enigma of Consensus: 4. Preparing for war
5. The real thing
6. Man management
Part III. The Downfall: 7. At Cadorna's court
8. Caporetto according to Cadorna: a moral autobiography of the Italians
Conclusion: The Memoir Battle.

Subject Areas: Military history [HBW]