Product Description

This is the definitive biography of one of the most controversial figures of World War II. Sir Arthur Harris remains the target of criticism and vilification by many, while others believe the contribution he and his men made to victory is grossly undervalued. Henry Probert s critical but sympathetic new account draws on recent research and, for this first time, all of Harris s own extensive papers, to give outstanding insight into a man who combined leadership, professionalism and decisiveness with kindness, humour and generosity. Bomber Harris provides the most complete picture of one of the great commanders of modern times and an outstanding military personality of World War II. Air Commodore Probert was formerly Head of the Air Historical Branch. Correlli Barnett is a world-renowned historian whose books have been translated into many languages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #186092 in Books
• Published on: 2006-07-15
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 432 pages

Review
'Author Henry Probert has shed light on the complex, multifaceted Sir Arthur in this insightful, penetrating biography ... Harris comes to life on the pages through Probert's judicious use of quotes and correspondence that demonstrate the commander's leadership qualities, professionalism, and decisiveness mixed with kindness, humor, and generosity ... Using for the first time Harris's own extensive papers, Probert paints a complete picture of the man lauded by many and vilified by others - a portrait that both fans and detractors of Sir Arthur will find intriguing.' --WWII History, May 2007

Excellent new study ... An Air Commodore, formerly director of RAF education, Probert is equally steadfast both in recognising Harris s shortcomings, and in fighting for vindication of area bombing. This makes for a fair and square yet sympathetic view of Harris. --Alistair Horne in The Spectator

'This is the fullest, shrewdest and most balanced account of Harris's life to date.' --Richard Overy in the Sunday Telegraph

Customer Reviews

Bomber Harris: His Life and Times - Henry Probert
I believe that anyone reading this book with desire to validate prejudices or confirm suspicions that Harris was a butcher will be disappointed. I feel that the author perhaps had three purposes - in order of priority; (i) to outline the character, abilities and achievements of the man, (ii) to describe the background of war-time Britain and the RAF, and (iii) to accurately outline the chronology and context of the whole bomber war.
Probert achieves his aims. This is a first class read, scholarly but not dry, it is at times vaguely (and welcomingly) conversational in tone. He has clearly researched his subject well. No doubt his status as a respected recently retired senior RAF officer has provided him wih numerous opportunities to access personal papers and receive the confidences of many of worked with and knew Harris.
As one might expect, the author has a deep respect for Harris - and his men - however, it does acknowledge his flaws. He comes across as at times impatient, wrong and manipulated by politicians in government and in the RAF. But what leadership, energy, application and resolve Harris had. A professional, driven and creative manager with much concern for his men.
This book is in no way an apology for the Allies' WWII bombing policy, Probert feels there is no need. However, this point of view is not forced on the reader; the events and their context, are described openly permitting the formation an independent judgement.
Sir Arthur Harris is painted as a man who conceived, built, commanded and inspired a very efficient fighting machine. This is the essence of the book. However, unlike Dowding who managed the same feat with Fighter Command (and retired soon after the Battle of Britain), Harris was on the offensive rather than defensive, and history has judged him (and his men) very differently.
This book is a must read for anyone with an interest in WWII which goes beyond self-congratulating American movies, and other books & documents. It is very well written, lacks sensationalism and is very evocative of the time. I enjoyed it and gained from it.