Influence of Air Power upon History, The

Flight Journal, Apr 2004 by DeGroat, Robert S

The Influence of Air Power upon History by Walter J. Boyne; Pelican Publishing Co., Inc., 1000 Burinaster St., Gretna, LA 70053; 448 pages; $29.95.

There have always been questions about the importance of air power relative to events happening on the world stage. Historians regularly discuss specific instances and how to measure successes or failures. WW II immediately comes to mind; air power's contributions to the Allies' successful conclusion of that conflict have been dissected for years.

Aviation historian Walter J. Boyne has undertaken the ambitious "Influence of Air Power upon History." Far from being a dry recitation of important events in aviation, it's a blend of historical events-whether air power was effective in those instances and how the technology has evolved. The book clearly delineates how aircraft-not to mention ICBMs and satellites-have changed the "art of war."

Readers might be tempted to cheat on this one and read those sections that hold their particular inter- ests first. Since the analysis encompasses events that range from the initial attempts at balloon flight for observation purposes up through the latest form of aggression seen on 9/11. it is most complete. The author's analysis of each major conflict is both fascinating and thought provoking. His conclusions, some of which are controversial, are solid and well supported. This fine book benefits from Boyne's extensive and deep understanding and from his keen perception of aviation as applied in each case.

It will be required reading for those interested in how aviation grew with each new conflict, and the excellent insight into wars past, present and future are a superb addition to any serious aviation library.

-Robert S. DeGroat