On War and Morality.

Holmes (University of Rochester) writes intelligently, articulately, and accessibly in defense of the thesis that war in the modern world cannot be justified. This thesis, close to but not identical with absolute pacifism, puts the author interestingly at odds with most of the antinuclear movement (insofar as that movement is willing to allow conventional war). Holmes argues against all modern war, whether nuclear or conventional; he argues against supporters of deterrence theory, theorists in the "just war" tradition, and political "realists"; he concludes with a chapter on nonviolent alternatives. The book is focused ultimately on the normative question of the permissibility of war in the modern world, but the discussion throughout is greatly enhanced by the author's ability to use history, politics, and current affairs to inform the argument and to move it closer to its conclusion. This volume is a superior work. It is thorough, well written, and well argued. Related books include Michael Walzer's Just and Unjust Wars (CH, May '78) and James T. Johnson's Can Modern War Be Just? (CH, Dec '84). The book contains a good bibliography and a detailed index. Recommended for public libraries and especially useful for academic libraries at institutions that offer degrees in philosophy or political science. S. Satris Clemson University