The Command of the Air

The theory that put victory in the skies.

The Command of the Air presents Giulio Douhet’s groundbreaking argument that air power is the decisive force in modern war. In this classic work of military theory, Douhet defines the revolutionary concept of the “command of the air”—the idea that victory belongs to the nation able to prevent its enemy from flying while striking vital centers deep behind the lines. Through bold logic and vivid examples, the book shows how aviation transformed warfare by bypassing armies and navies entirely, projecting power directly against a nation’s industrial, communications, and civilian infrastructure. 

This edition brings together Douhet’s original 1921 text, his expanded 1927 revision, and subsequent essays, all framed by a rich editors’ introduction. Readers gain insight into his vision of the Independent Air Force, the strategic use of mass bombing, and the technological evolution of modern aircraft. Douhet’s credentials—an Italian general, early aviation commander, and one of history’s most influential air‑power theorists—underscore the authority and ambition behind his ideas. 

Scholars and students of military history, air‑power strategy, national security, and the evolution of modern warfare will find this volume indispensable. It is equally valuable for contemporary defense professionals seeking to understand how concepts such as strategic bombing, total war, and air superiority first took shape.