For five years during the Second World War; the Allies launched a trial and error bombing campaign against Germany's historical city landscape. Peaking in the war's final three months; it was the first air attack of its kind. Civilian dwellings were struck by-in today's terms-"weapons of mass destruction;" with a total of 600;000 casualties; including 70;000 children.In The Fire; historian Jörg Friedrich explores this crucial chapter in military and world history. Combining meticulous research with striking illustrations; Friedrich presents a vivid account of the saturation bombing; rendering in acute detail the annihilation of cities such as Dresden; the jewel of Germany's rich art and architectural heritage. He incorporates the personal stories and firsthand testimony of German civilians into his narrative; creating a macabre portrait of unimaginable suffering; horror; and grief; and he draws on official military documents to unravel the reasoning behind the strikes. Evolving military technologies made the extermination of whole cities possible; but owing; perhaps; to the Allied victory and what W. G. Sebald noted as "a pre-conscious self-censorship; a way of obscuring a world that could no longer be presented in comprehensible terms;" the wisdom of this strategy has never been questioned. The Fire is a rare account of the air raids as they were experienced by the civilians who were their targets.
#1549040 in Books 2000-07-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.25 x 1.15 x 6.34l; 1.47 #File Name: 0231112769320 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. EssentialBy Sharon AmmermanBought this to prepare for a Chinese teaching certification exam; and now plan to use it for a high school Chinese history course. The "story" of history woven in this volume is clear and powerful; and the organized resources are invaluable to a beginning history student or a long-term buff. LOVE the extended glossary of events; terms; figures; etc.2 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Very ShipshapeBy Thomas F. OgaraAn excellent quick synopsis of modern China. Gives an historical overview; biographies of the major players; and descriptions of all the recent historical trends that make China what it is today; all in 300 pages.My only reason to withhold five stars is that I felt the treatment of the last forty years or so was a bit cursory. But then; this is a history book; and not a current events review. I'd recommend it to anybody who is looking for a quick but thorough treatment of the subject.4 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Just the Right Amount of InformationBy DeanIf you are considering doing business in China; are concerned about global geopolitical developments; or just interested in history and current affairs; this is the book for you. It presents a thorough; yet highly engaging overview of the developments that have led to the modern Chinese State. If you are only going to read one book on China; this would be the one.
