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How a special dictionary kept soldiers connected during WWII, with Peter Sokolowski
May 23, 2024
Peter Sokolowski, an editor at Merriam-Webster, discusses the unique Armed Services Editions published during WWII for troops. Topics include collaborative wartime publishing efforts, lasting influence on the industry, and the special features of the compact dictionary created for soldiers.
26:50
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Quick takeaways
- Armed Services Editions had a significant impact on post-war paperback industry.
- Compact dictionaries in WWII helped soldiers maintain morale and cultural connection.
Deep dives
Origin of the Armed Services Dictionary
During World War II, a remarkable effort was made to provide soldiers with pocket-sized books, including dictionaries, to bring comfort and education to the troops. New York publishing houses collaborated to quickly produce these compact books, utilizing printing presses from Reader's Digest. These Armed Services Editions contained a variety of titles, including classics like The Grapes of Wrath and contemporary works. They aimed to preserve morale and culture among soldiers amidst the war.
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