When Books Went to War: The Stories That Helped Us Win World War II

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Heartwarming. New York Times

Whether or not youre a book lover, youll be moved. Entertainment Weekly

A readable, accessible addition to World War II literature [and] a book that will be enjoyed by lovers of books about books. Boston Globe

Four stars [out of four] . . . A cultural history that does much to explain modern America. USA Today

When America entered World War II in 1941, we faced an enemy that had banned and burned 100 million books. Outraged librarians launched a campaign to send free books to American troops andgathered 20 million hardcover donations. In 1943, the War Department and the publishing industry stepped in with an extraordinary program:120 million small, lightweight paperbacks for troops to carry in their pockets and rucksacks in every theater of war. These Armed Services Editions were beloved by the troops and are still fondly remembered today. Soldiers read them while waiting to land at Normandy, in hellish trenches in the midst of battles in the Pacific, in field hospitals, and on long bombing flights. They helped rescueThe Great Gatsbyfrom obscurity and made Betty Smith, author ofA Tree Grows in Brooklyn,into a national icon.When Books Went to Waris the inspiring story of the Armed Services Editions, and a treasure for history buffs and book lovers alike.

A thoroughly engaging, enlightening, and often uplifting account . . . I was enthralled and moved. Tim OBrien, author ofThe Things They Carried