When Books Went to War

In "When Books Went to War," author Molly Guptill Manning recounts the remarkable initiative launched during World War II to provide American troops with literature amidst a backdrop of censorship and fear, as over 100 million books were banned and destroyed by the enemy. In a response fueled by outraged librarians, an extraordinary program delivered 120 million small paperback books, featuring 1,200 diverse titles that became cherished companions for soldiers across various theaters of war. The narrative highlights the profound impact of these books on soldiers’ morale and cultural preservation, showcasing their correspondence with authors and the lasting legacy of these wartime literary treasures.