Bombing the People: Giulio Douhet and the Foundations of Air-Power Strategy, 1884-1939

by Thomas Hippler

Overview

Giulio Douhet was one of the world's most important early air power strategists. This book offers the first comprehensive interpretation of Douhet's strategic thinking and its broader context. It charts the development of the strategy of targeting civilian populations from colonial warfare to the wake of World War II.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107037946
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	08/14/2013
Series:	Cambridge Military Histories
Pages:	291
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Thomas Hippler is Associate Professor at Sciences Po Lyon, University of Lyon. His previous publications include Citizens, Soldiers and National Armies: Military Service in France and Germany (2007).

Table of Contents

Introduction; Part I. Douhet's Strategic Thought: 1. The early Douhet; 2. History or technology?; 3. From pacifism to indiscriminate bombing; 4. The command of the air; Part II. Douhetism under Discussion: 5. Air power and the strategic context; 6. Alternatives to Douhetism; 7. Amedeo Mecozzi, the 'anti-Douhet'; Epilogue; Bibliography.

Editorial Reviews

"Bombing the People presents a convincing argument as to why the development of Italian air power and its doctrines remain fundamental in military aviation today. Anyone with an interest in air power should find it a satisfying read."
Aviation History

"Detailed and thorough."
History Today

"The ideas presented on this subject are well worth further examination, as is the book overall."
Thomas Keaney, H-Net

"Thomas Hippler’s book examines Douhet’s output in considerable detail. He also quotes from many other (mainly Italian) writers, drawing on the 500+ documents listed in the bibliography. It is a book that needed to be written and his considerable research results in a very comprehensive analysis of Douhet’s work, its supporters and its critics."
Aerospace

From the Publisher