Review by Choice Review
Buckley (Univ. of Wolverhampton, UK) developed this concise work from his teaching experience. This gives it the advantage of simplicity and focus on bigger issues without entanglement in technology. It should be compared to Tony Mason's recent Air Power (1994) and to The War in the Air, ed. by Alan Stephens (1994), both of which are excellent studies of greater depth. Buckley looks at bombing efficiency in terms of tonnage despatched and hits. He also touches on ethical arguments, though he finds these are unresolvable. He understands that in WW II grand-strategic bombing was one approach, but that it too often neglected the question of how the enemy might respond. In his view, the key areas were tactical and maritime air forces, national aspirations, and the ability to absorb both personnel and material losses. The book is a fine introduction to air power in the 20th century and contains an excellent bibliography of works in English. All levels. R. Higham emeritus, Kansas State University
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
