The Paths of Heaven: The Evolution of Airpower Theory

The Paths of Heaven counterbalances the Air Force's tendency to emphasize operational concerns at the expense of theory. Most of the fifteen essays are contributed by current or former faculty of the School of Advanced Airpower Studies at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. Collectively, the authors trace the development of airpower theory from its origins with Giulio Douhet, through the formulation of airpower doctrine during the interwar years at the Air Corps Tactical School, to current efforts to codify a cogent theory of space power. In the words of retired chief of staff Gen Ronald R. Fogleman, "The Paths of Heaven is a valuable means of increasing our expertise in the employment of airpower." First published in 1997. Contains black and white maps and photographs.