Among the Dead Cities
Among the Dead Cities: The History and Moral Legacy of the WWII Bombing of Civilians in Germany and Japan (later released as Among the Dead Cities: Was the Allied Bombing of Civilians in WWII a Necessity or a Crime?) is a 2006 book by British philosopher A. C. Grayling in which he argues that although World War II was a just and necessary war, the area bombing done to defeat Germany was a crime (unlike the American precision bombing or "pinpoint bombing" of industrial and military targets) because it was (1) an intentional attack on non-combatants; (2) unnecessary in defeating Germany; and (3) disproportionate. Responses were divided. Reception John Charmley of The Guardian wrote that "its extremely sophisticated argument lends itself to being immediately misunderstood by those of a less liberal frame of mind" and that Grayling anticipates all the criticisms of historians and right-leaning readers. Stressing that the philosopher critiques area bombing rather than bombing itself, Charmley said Grayling "outlines his argument carefully". He billed the book as "provocative and readable", arguing, "Unless we exercise vigilance over our leaders, they will fall for the tempting arguments that lead to area bombing, or its modern equivalent. Books like this should