On Exhibit in the Wood River Museum of History and Culture
Ernest Hemingway was a world famous writer. Ray Trautman was a behind-the-scenes librarian. Both believed fervently in the power of the written word. Their stories illustrate the importance of writing and reading during World War II, as spectacles of book burnings in Germany and Victory Book Campaigns in the United States were broadcast around the world.
In 1940, Ray Trautman became Chief Librarian of the U.S. Army. From this post, Trautman invented the Armed Services Editions – miniature books, magazines, and comics – so soldiers would always have stories nearby. Whenever they had a spare moment, troops read to escape the war, learn, find hope, and remember home.
Books were another battlefield for freedom.
Armed Services Editions
While Nazis were burning books during World War II, Chief Librarian of the Army Ray Trautman was building the largest and most comprehensive library system in the world. He distributed nearly half-billion books, magazines, and comics to troops in World War II.
Ernest Hemingway: War Writer
Ernest Hemingway entered WWII as a war correspondent and a literary titan. He was acclaimed for his short stories and novels, and his rugged personality drew media attention.
Hemingway broke new ground with his lean literary style—a technique that was forged by war reporting.
Binoculars were essential in his reporting, and in this exhibit, you can see one of the original U.S Navy issue pairs that Hemingway used. His binoculars are also shown in photography and a comic strip by best-selling author and illustrator of children’s books, Nathan Hale.
Ray Trautman: America’s Librarian
No person has influenced American reading habits more than Ray Trautman. As a child, books gave him information, imagination, and ideas for his future. After earning a library science degree, he devoted his life to spreading the joy of reading.
Trautman ultimately built the largest and most comprehensive library system in the world.
Books helped troops survive the war emotionally and spiritually, and many developed a lifelong habit of reading. When they returned home, they shared their love of books with their families by encouraging their loved ones to read.
Interactive Elements of the Exhibit
Write a Letter from Home!
Using a World War II-era typewriter and replicas of V-Mail stationary, you can type your own letter to “boost the spirit of someone far from home.” Remember:
Make it short. Make it cheerful.
What Book Would You Grab?
Each month, troops received a bundle of Armed Services Editions, ranging from 30-40 titles. Since some troops had a fourth grade reading level while others had doctorate degrees, the Army aimed to include books for all reading proficiencies and tastes.
In a display of twelve vintage Armed Services Editions, you can place a token next to the book you would choose to take with you.
More here about the Wood River Museum of History and Culture, including location, hours, and other exhibits.
Ernest Hemingway broke new ground with his lean literary style—a technique that was forged by war reporting. Binoculars were essential in his reporting, and in this exhibit, they are shown in photography and a comic strip by Nathan Hale, as well as one of the original U.S Navy issue pairs that Hemingway used.
