Explore the power of books at this new Grolier Club exhibition, "The Best-Read Army in the World." The show tells the story of how the U.S. military fought against propaganda and promoted free thought by disseminating more than one billion books, magazines, and newspapers to 16 million American troops worldwide, partnering with the U.S. publishing industry to create pocket-sized paperback books called "Armed Services Editions," as well as petite issues of newspapers and popular magazines.
See 225 pieces, including miniature books and periodicals, photographs, posters, artwork, propaganda leaflets, and letters. Highlights include rare prototypes for troop-friendly publications, a bundle of Armed Services Editions in its original packaging, a U.S. army librarian uniform, and a display on World War II-era book bans.
"The Best-Read Army in the World" is on view at the Upper East Side club from September 27 through December 30, 2023; it's free to visit.
