The World War, 1939-1943 [i. e. 1945]

Library Journal

This collection of wartime graphics from the major participants in World World II is more than the usual nostalgic group of political cartoons or posters. It is instead a powerful lesson in social history. Each drawing is accompanied by up to a page of commentary and perspective. Few of the cartoons are crude ``win-the-war'' exhortations. Most are more subtle and refer to political and military incidents which are now obscure. The cartoons from Russia and Nazi Germany are especially interesting. The overall lesson is that propaganda--in whatever cause--can be subtle and effective. Recommended for most libraries.-- Raymond L. Puffer, U.S. Air Force History Prog., Los Angeles

Booknews

Douglas (U. of Surrey) portrays the events of WWII through cartoons, explaining what message they were meant to convey to the contemporary reader and revealing the radically different perceptions of different countries as to where the most crucial issues of the war lay. His overall narrative details the main outline of the war, and each image is located in the context of its events. Lacks scholarly paraphernalia. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)