Chronicles the joint effort of the U.S. government, the publishing industry, and the nation's librarians to boost troop morale during World War II by shipping more than one hundred million books to the front lines for soldiers to read during what little downtime they had.
Delving into a significant literary deception, this book uncovers the intricate tale of Ephraim Tutt, revealing the complexities and motivations behind one of America's most elaborate hoaxes. Through meticulous research, it sheds light on the impact of this deception on literature and culture, offering insights into the characters involved and the broader implications of such a ruse in society.
In late 1943, small packages bound in sturdy brown paper began to arrive at American military outposts, each containing a set of ingenious pocket-sized books called the Armed Services Editions. Titled the Victory Book Campaign, this initiative was led by librarians, who garnered the support of individuals, businesses, civic organizations, and Eleanor Roosevelt. For war-weary, homesick men, these books—fiction, biographies, classics, sports tales, history books, poetry, compilations of short stories, books of humor—represented the greatest gift the military could give them. This ann+BD11otated catalogue includes posters, photographs, newspaper clippings, and other contemporary documents that provide valuable context for how the written word not only increased morale during wartime but ultimately transformed American education and changed the book industry forever.
The narrative highlights the unique role of American troops in World War II as they used writing to document their experiences and shape their own narratives. Through letters, journals, and other forms of communication, soldiers expressed their thoughts, emotions, and the realities of war, creating a powerful testament to their experiences. Molly Guptill Manning explores the impact of these written words on both the soldiers and the broader understanding of the war, revealing the profound connection between storytelling and history.