Angelo L. Pirocchi was born in Milan in 1969. Since the early 1990s he has dedicated himself to academic and military research, and has published books and articles on peacekeeping and military history. He has also served as an International Officer in Bosnia and Albania.

Velimir Vuksic is an experienced military illustrator, whose published work covers a wide variety of periods, conflicts and armies. He has worked for numerous magazines over the years, including Military Illustrated. A native of Croatia, Velimir has also served in the armed forces, as a paratrooper.

The Italian Reparti d'Assalto (Assault Units) of World War I were a truly elite force. The word ardito (pl. arditi) means bold or daring, and, as their name suggests, their role required courage, as well as specific combat skills. This book takes a close look at the origins, training, dress, weaponry and equipment of the Arditi, and examines the daily life, motivation and combat role of these elite soldiers. The legacy of their identity is also examined, in the presence of D'Annunzio and rise to power of Mussolini in post-war Italy.