World War II on Literature: A Focus on The Great Gatsby's Distribution

During World War II, F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel, 'The Great Gatsby', experienced a resurgence in popularity, largely due to the efforts of the Council on Books in Wartime. This organization distributed free Armed Services Edition copies of the novel to American soldiers serving overseas, recognizing the importance of literature in providing comfort and a sense of normalcy during tumultuous times. The initiative aimed to boost morale among troops, and 'The Great Gatsby', with its themes of aspiration and the American Dream, resonated deeply with many soldiers. Additionally, the Red Cross played a significant role by distributing copies of the novel to prisoners in Japanese and German POW camps, further extending its reach and impact. By 1945, over 123,000 copies of 'The Great Gatsby' had been distributed among U.S. troops, making it one of the most widely read novels during the war. This distribution not only helped to keep the spirit of literature alive among soldiers but also sparked renewed interest and discussion among critics and readers alike, solidifying the novel's place in American literary history. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #TheGreatGatsby #WorldWarIi #F.ScottFitzgerald #ArmedServicesEdition #LiteratureAndWar