{"product_id":"jonathan-glancey-operation-bowler-2026-paperback","title":"Jonathan Glancey: Operation Bowler [2026] paperback","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e21 March 1945. 1530 hours. Dozens of Allied fighters and bombers sweep over German-occupied Venice. \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTheir mission - destroy Germany's strategic outposts nestled along the port, while leaving the floating city unscathed.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs bombs rained down upon Europe, flattening city after city, Venice - \u003cem\u003eLa Serenissima; \u003c\/em\u003ehome of Titian and Veronese; immortalised in the serene landscapes of Canaletto - remained sacrosanct. Its artistic and architectural treasure too considerable, too precious to risk destruction.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eBut, as the push up through Italy reached its final, gruelling months, the Allies were confronted with a terrible dilemma. The ancient city of Venice was now closer and closer to the line of fire. As casualties mounted, the value of art, of history seemed diminished - just a month earlier Allied bombers had reduced the ancient hilltop abbey of Monte Cassino to a stony husk.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn a gripping tale, bestselling author Jonathan Glancey reveals the thrilling history of 'Operation Bowler'. Joining audacious Wing Commander George Westlake DFC and his elite team, \u003cem\u003eOperation Bowler\u003c\/em\u003e explores how an unlikely squad of pilots executed one of the most meticulous and complex air raids of the Second World War, sparing not only Venice, but its people.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Glancey, Jonathan","offers":[{"title":"New","offer_id":53125925110099,"sku":"9781836431329","price":16.9,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0616\/4001\/6057\/files\/glancey-jonathan-jonathan-glancey-operation-bowler-2026-paperback-9781836431329-1224399303.jpg?v=1772234498","url":"https:\/\/theirishbookshop.live\/products\/jonathan-glancey-operation-bowler-2026-paperback","provider":"Chapters Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}