Holding Their Breath

By M. Girard Dorsey,

Book cover of Holding Their Breath: How the Allies Confronted the Threat of Chemical Warfare in World War II

Book description

Holding Their Breath uncovers just how close Britain, the United States, and Canada came to crossing the red line that restrained chemical weapon use during World War II. Unlike World War I, belligerents did not release poison gas regularly during the Second World War. Yet, the looming threat of chemical…

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Holding Their Breath as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

This book provides an answer to a question that historians of arms control have asked since WWII ended: Why had the use of chemical weapons on the battlefield not become widespread in WWII, in the same manner it had in WWI? Focusing on Britain, Canada, and the United States, Holding Their Breath explores Allied reluctance to use chemical weapons and their formulation of a joint policy on chemical warfare. M. Girard Dorsey shows that the potential for chemical warfare in WWII profoundly influenced the course of the war’s events.

From Thomas' list on chemical weapons.

Want books like Holding Their Breath?

Our community of 12,000+ authors has personally recommended 100 books like Holding Their Breath.

Browse books like Holding Their Breath

Book cover of Tear Gas: From the Battlefields of World War I to the Streets of Today
Book cover of Greek Fire, Poison Arrows, and Scorpion Bombs: Unconventional Warfare in the Ancient World
Book cover of War and Nature: Fighting Humans and Insects with Chemicals from World War I to Silent Spring

Share your top 3 reads of 2024!

And get a beautiful page showing off your 3 favorite reads.

1,187

readers submitted
so far, will you?

5 book lists we think you will like!

Interested in Canada, presidential biography, and World War 1?

Canada 450 books
World War 1 933 books