Armed Services Editions

The Great Gatsby was released just over 99 years ago, and what a ride it’s been since for the Great American Novel. After multiple re-releases, modern printings, and motion picture adaptations, Gatsby continues to hold a place in the American zeitgeist—as well as on high school bookshelves.

As a fan of Gatsby, and all of Fitzgerald’s work, I tend to keep up on any “new” news surrounding Gatsby. From time to time, I learn something about the book I’d never heard before. That happened this week. In fact, not only did I learn something new about Gatsby—but an entire type of book—ones issued specifically to those who serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

These editions are described as:

Overseas edition for the Armed Forces. Distributed by the Special Services Division, A.S.F., for the Army, and by the Bureau of Naval Personnel for the Navy. U.S. Government property. Not for sale. Published by Editions for Armed Services, Inc., a non-profit organization established by the Council on Books in Wartime.

What a wonderful thing! I have no idea if there’s still anything like this, but there should be. As you’ll see in some of the images below, the Armed Forces Editions could be mass market paperback, even oddly shaped or formatted, books. But for good reason that almost adds to the charm. The functional purpose for the “odd” shape: to be able to fit in pockets. The ability for a soldier to be able to stuff the book in their first available pocket made it possible to read in mundane, obscure, and sometimes unknown locations.

This functionality is my favorite part about these odd little books (not that I’ve encountered one in person). With all of the emphasis on the larger events of life at war—I find myself more drawn to the small subtleties of the soldier’s life. What they wore, ate, read, etc. How did they make coffee? Play guitar? Chess? These insights fascinate me. They’re the small details that help all generations relate.

Chess

Augusta