A History of Bombing

A daring literary and historical look at the ideologies of war and violence, by the author of Exterminate All the Brutes.

On November 1, 1911, over the North African oasis Tagiura, Lieutenant Giulio Cavotti leaned out of the cockpit of his primitive aircraft and dropped a Haasen hand grenade. Thus began one of the most devastating military tactics of the twentieth century: aerial bombing.

With this point of entry, Sven Lindqvist, the author of the highly acclaimed"Exterminate All the Brutes, presents a cleverly constructed and innovative history. A History of Bombing tells the fascinating stories behind the development of air power, bombs, and the laws of war and international justice, demonstrating how the practices of the two world wars were born from colonial warfare.

Sven Lindqvist is a prominent Swedish writer known internationally for his books on China and Latin America. His previous works available in English include Exterminate All the Brute" and The Skull Measurer's Mistake (both from The New Press). He lives in Stockholm

A profound litany of what might someday be considered among the most counterproductive military actions ever taken.
-- The Nation

An original work, written with a moral passion that is uncommon.
-- Sunday Times [London]

Continuously interesting, often fascinating.
-- Financial Times

Extraordinary and beautifully written.
-- San Francisco Chronicle