A History of Bombing - Softcover

'Ingenious and timely...deserves to be read by all who wish to understand militarism in its many guises' John Pilger 'One of the most original and imaginative authors working today' Richard Gott 'Sven Lindqvist is not only a remarkable historian, he is also one of the best storytellers in the historical profession today' Joanna Bourke, TLS 'It is learned, yet concise; doom-laden, yet light. A sobering and important argument...it is gripping stuff. Lindqvist has written an exceptionally good book' Robert Winder, New Statesman

An unconventional history on aerial bombing, and the profound and terrible effects of its aftermath on the modern world. On November 1, 1911, Lieutenant Cavarotti leaned out of the cockpit of his delicate aircraft and, holding a Haasen hand grenade, began one of the most devastating military tactics of the 20th century: aerial bombing. This is but one of many points of entry Lindqvist presents in this innovative history. Structuring the book in a way that re-enacts the disruptions of history caused by the advent of the bomb, Lindqvist offers his readers a series of ways into and paths through this re-examination of a century of war. He turns his fresh, inquisitive eye and tireless moral sense on the fascinating histories behind the development of air power, bombs and the laws of war and international justice, demonstrating how the practices of two world wars were born of colonial warfare.