Description: This fascinating and well-constructed volume of essays builds understanding of the role and importance of music during periods of conflict and highlights the unique aspects of music during World War II.
Review Quotes:
"Music in World War II aims to significantly expand the musicological literature on music in the Second World War. In so doing, the authors and editors have brought together a collection that offers deeply informed, interdisciplinary, and original views on a myriad of musical practices in Europe, Great Britain, and the United States during the period."--Gayle Magee, Over Here, Over There: Transatlantic Conversations on the Music of World War I
"The newly published Indiana University Press book, Music in World War II: Coping with Wartime in Europe and the United States, has enlarged my understanding of how music became a tool of war for allies and adversaries alike, as opponents became allies and allies became opponents in a shifting landscape of diplomacy. Music as propaganda wasn't on my radar as a child. . . . The editors designed a book to show a broad base of music's power to shape citizens and soldiers in wartime. They chose essayists whose imperative brings us into the moments of real people in a world of divisiveness. In my childhood household I was instructed, "We are fighting for ideals, for 'liberty and justice for all.' When the war is over and we are winners we have work to do to make America a safe place for everyone. Always make something better for everyone." A powerful charge for a little kid."--Rita Kohn, Nuvo
"Music in World War II is a book that is really worth reading not only because it is a true page-turner and the stories are unique and fascinating, but also because it truly adds to our knowledge of World War II events from a perspective that is even wider than just music."--Alexandros Charkiolakis - The Friends of Music Society, Music Reference Services Quarterly