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Did you know that Stalin, Hitler and Mao were voracious readers? Where did the paper book pocket book come from?  Join me in this conversation with renowned historian Andrew Pettegree, as we discuss his latest  The Book at War, How Reading Shaped Conflict and Conflict Shaped Reading.  We discuss the fascinating and often overlooked role of books in warfare, exploring how reading shapes conflict and how conflict, in turn, shapes reading. Professor  Pettegree reveals that books are not just hapless victims of destruction in wars but powerful tools for war making, as they can motivate populations and fuel ideologies that lead to wars. The conversation highlights historical examples, such as the destruction of libraries during World War II and the weaponization of book culture by dictatorships like Nazi Germany and Russia. Furthermore, we explore how books have influenced major conflicts, including the American Civil War and both World Wars. Overall, this episode sheds light on the enduring power of books and how they continue to play a significant role in the development and battle of ideas in society.

The Book at War, How Reading Shaped Conflict and Conflict Shaped Reading is published by Basic Books