by William B. Ziff ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 13, 1942
This is a disturbing and an exciting book. If the de Seversky book had not jumped the gun on the matter of air warfare over all, this book would, perhaps, have provided even greater controversy. Coming after the de Seversky, and bearing a less provocative title (and less wishful thinking), it may fall short of achieving quite the market its content and viewpoint rate. The author, who has just returned from a three months study of serial warfare in England as a guest of the British Air Ministry, opens his book with a detailed description of the Battle of Britain and the lessons learned. Ziff feels that the air arm proved its position as a self-sustained force, and that time, resources, geography, demand concentration on air craft almost to the exclusion of the other branches. He then proceeds to study the axis blueprint, to discuss the great question marks in the Axis timetable, Russia and China. He sees India and the Near East as two pivotal points. He quarrels with the appeasement policies towards Vichy, Spain, etc.; he argues in favor of a more aggressive South American policy -- and defense. His main thesis, however, is the strengthening of air power through an intense concentration of all facilities to expand it, to increase the air attack on Germany, to make that second front now and make it an air front launched from England. He differs from de Seversky in being more realistic as to the present equipment and its immediate use; others may differ with him in his understress of the importance of the Pacific area. There are points open to criticism, but by and large it is convincing reading, and should prove an eye-opener for those who ignorantly demand an immediate land offensive in Europe.
Pub Date: July 13, 1942
ISBN: 0548384673
Page Count: -
Publisher: Duell, Sloan & Pearce
Review Posted Online: N/A
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 1942
Categories: NONFICTION
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