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The Bomber Mafia

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

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The Bomber Mafia

Written by: Malcolm Gladwell
Narrated by: Malcolm Gladwell
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About this listen

In The Bomber Mafia: A Dream, a Temptation, and the Longest Night of the Second World War, Malcolm Gladwell, author of New York Times best sellers including Talking to Strangers and host of the podcast Revisionist History, uses original interviews, archival footage, and his trademark insight to weave together the stories of a Dutch genius and his homemade computer, a band of brothers in Central Alabama, a British psychopath, and pyromaniacal chemists at Harvard. As listeners hear these stories unfurl, Gladwell examines one of the greatest moral challenges in modern American history.

Most military thinkers in the years leading up to World War II saw the airplane as an afterthought. But a small band of idealistic strategists had a different view. This “Bomber Mafia” asked: What if precision bombing could, just by taking out critical choke points - industrial or transportation hubs - cripple the enemy and make war far less lethal?

In Revisionist History, Gladwell reexamines moments from the past and asks whether we got it right the first time. In The Bomber Mafia, he employs all the production techniques that make Revisionist History so engaging, stepping back from the bombing of Tokyo, the deadliest night of the war, and asking, “Was it worth it?” The attack was the brainchild of General Curtis LeMay, whose brutal pragmatism and scorched-earth tactics in Japan cost thousands of civilian lives but may have spared more by averting a planned US invasion.

Things might have gone differently had LeMay’s predecessor, General Haywood Hansell, remained in charge. As a key member of the Bomber Mafia, Hansell’s theories of precision bombing had been foiled by bad weather and human error. When he and Curtis LeMay squared off for a leadership handover in the jungles of Guam, LeMay emerged victorious, leading to the darkest night of World War II.

The Bomber Mafia is a riveting tale of persistence, innovation, and the incalculable wages of war.

©2021 Malcolm Gladwell (P)2021 Malcolm Gladwell
Armed Forces Astronomy & Space Science Wars & Conflicts Military War Transportation Air Force Thought-Provoking Inspiring Aviation History Naval Warfare
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What the critics say

The Bomber Mafia is a parable written for the age of technological disruption.” (The Times, London)

"Gladwell is a wonderful storyteller. When he is introducing characters and showing them in conflict, The Bomber Mafia is gripping. I enjoyed this short book thoroughly, and would have been happy if it had been twice as long." (The New York Times)

“An innovative audio book with music, sound effects and archival clips. Gladwell’s easy conversational style works well, and his admiration for the Bomber Mafia shines through.” (The Washington Post)

What listeners say about The Bomber Mafia

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Nice Surprise

Let me admit I’m a Gladwell fan - his books and podcasts have been faves of mine for a long time. This book did not disappoint - it walks the line between podcast and text and at first I thought it was the former and not the latter. As I proceeded through the story however I the novel emerged more so - less podcast if that makes sense. Regardless, the only bad thing about this novel was that it was not long enough and I wanted more - that’s it. Do yourself a favour and listen to this story - riveting history that is amazing and terrifying. Looking forward to his next novel.

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Morality in Precision Bombing? Who needs it !

Gladwell does an excellent job in giving us insights on the people, their philosophies and their horrific technologies that deliver mass destruction during the second world war. Fascinating, disturbing and spellbinding.

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easy listen

great balance of history and entertainment, technology and philosophy. thoroughly enjoyed listening to the history unfold

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The beat described here goes forward

The ongoing battle in Ukraine shows how mass bombing emboldens its intended victims into highly motivated resistance. This book reveals the birth and growth of how aerial warfare was seen as an alternative to more traditional wars. We can see how those concepts affect conflicts today.

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Great audiobook!

Malcolm delivered another masterpiece!
Brilliant book, a nail biter to listen to.
Thanks for this.

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A must listen or read for anyone who’ family has, in some way been affected by WE2

I liked how the Bomber Mafia audio book kept me riveted to the story, throughout, while I learned a great deal of information about the role of aerial power in determining the outcome of WW2.

I liked the way Malcolm Gladwell presented researched and referenced information, from many different points of view, that helped to better understand these history changing events.

Listening to Gladwell’s Bomber is so enjoyable, that I have now, Re-listened to it 6 times and have ordered two print copies (one for myself and one to share with friends, that I am sure, will also enjoy.
Thank you Malcolm.

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An important perspective, narrated brilliantly

An important story, weaved together with great narration and well-timed sound effects. Highly recommended audiobook.

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Really informative book

M. Gladwell’s books are always really good. Another stunning and awe- inspiring book from Gladwell. Really opens your eyes to went actually happened at the time to Japan and not just nuclear bombs.

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Important, and fascinating history.

The story is good and well told. Some of his opinions are thought provoking , but ultimately only one man's opinion. I bristle when he talks about how society thinks and/or feels.

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Great Listening Experience

Loadwell has certainly perfected the art of audio books, and while this is a very interesting story, I don't think it will list among his most thought provoking ones.

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