The Bomber Mafia

A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War

This non-fiction book explores the efforts of a small group of American military strategists who believed that precise daylight bombing could cripple enemy nations without massive civilian casualties. Malcolm Gladwell traces the development of precision bombing technology and the philosophical clashes that led up to the firebombing of Tokyo during World War II. The narrative examines how technological optimism collided with the harsh realities of armed conflict and moral compromise. Through historical profiles, the author highlights the human costs and unintended consequences of military innovation.

by Malcolm Gladwell

Little, Brown and Company · First published 2021 · 256 pages