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

Description

Giulio Douhet is generally considered the world's most important air-power theorist and this book offers the first comprehensive account of his air-power concepts. It ranges from 1884 when an air service was first implemented within the Italian military to the outbreak of the Second World War, and explores the evolution and dissemination of Douhet's ideas in an international context. It examines the impact of the Libyan war, the First World War and Ethiopian war on the development of Italian air-power strategy. It also addresses the issue of Douhet's advocacy of strategic bombing, exploring why it was that Douhet became an advocate of city bombing; the meaning and the limits of his core concept of 'command of the air'; and the mutual impact of air power, military and naval thought. It also takes into account alternatives to Douhetism such as the theories developed by Amedeo Mecozzi and others.

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).

'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