sections:
Using a narrative approach, Fire & Fury tells the story of the American and British bombing campaign over Germany during World War II. It is the only book on the market that provides a narrative history of both the British and American campaigns. Using a fast-paced narrative, the book looks at the campaign through the eyes of those involved: military and civilian command in America, Britain and Germany (Henry Arnold, Carl Spaatz, Ira Eaker, Jimmy Doolittle, Charles Portal, Winston Churchill, Arthur Harris, Albert Speer, and others), aircrew in the sky, and civilians on the ground. It shows how the US campaign, which was driven by a particularly American fusion of optimism and morality, played an important and largely unrecognized role in delivering Allied victory. The book offers a critical yet balanced view of Bomber Command and Arthur Harris, highlighting their accomplishments and refusing the shy away from Harris’ faults. It thus avoids both the extremes of denunciation and apology that characterize most books about Harris.
book reviews
- Richard G Davis
"In my opinion, Fire and Fury: the Allied Bombing of Germany 1942-1945 is the best short history of the bombing of the Third Reich written to date. [Hansen’s] research is thorough and present[s] an even-handed, well written narrative that balances the decision making of the top leaders with both the ordeals of the civilians being bombed and of the air crew bombing them." - Margaret Macmillan
“My own preference is for history that brings to life the past and the individuals who inhabit it and I think that this is the sort of history that sells well with the general public. Hansen’s approach— looking at bombing from both the ground level and the grand strategic one—is absolutely the right way to deal with a subject like this…. Given the enduring interest among the public in World War 2, the nature of the topic, and Hansen’s undoubted knowledge and abilities, I recommend Fire & Fury without reservation.”
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