World War I & II Pamphlet Collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
University of Richmond
Rare Books and Special Collections
Boatwright Library
University of Richmond
28 Westhampton Way
Richmond, VA 23173
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Lynda Kachurek
Phone: (804) 289-8458
Fax: (804) 287-1840
Terms of access:

Copyright restrictions may apply. Unpublished manuscripts are protected by copyright. Permission to publish, quote, or reproduce must be secured from the repository and the copyright holder.

Preferred citation:

[Box Number, Folder Number], MS-8, World War I & II Pamphlet Collection, Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

Summary

Extent:
4 Linear Feet 7 archival boxes.
Creator:
U.S. Government
Abstract:
The pamphlets found in this collection highlight the many aspects of military and wartime life, mainly during World War II. The pamphlets provide clues as to how day-to-day military life was conducted during the First and Second World Wars, including the ins-and-outs of pre-military enlistment, the role of women during the war, and perceived German intentions. Many publications offer insight into how a soldier is to conduct himself on and off the battlefield, including restrictions he is to adhere to when returning home. All publications are official United States issue, and are therefore official documentation of how the army communicated with the average soldier.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[Box Number, Folder Number], MS-8, World War I & II Pamphlet Collection, Book Arts, Archives, & Rare Books, Boatwright Memorial Library, University of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia.

Background

Scope and content:

This collection offers a small number of pamphlets related to World War I, most of which are regulatory pamphlets. The remaining folders house World War II publications. Of note in this collection are pre-induction pamphlets, publications about returning to civilian life, and a publication called Army Talks, the official periodical for the Army Eighth Air Force division. The Army Talks Series, GI Roundtable materials, and other pamphlets have been digitized and are available online.

Pamphlets that relate to returning to civilian life are of importance, as they begin as early as March 1944, and include information about the G.I. Bill and future opportunities for soldiers, such as education. While these civilian publications are not necessarily related to one another, they lend an important aspect to wartime life. Lastly, a run of pre-induction pamphlets highlighting skills to be acquired before entering into certain sectors of the Armed Services offer a comprehensive view of specialization. A series of Army Pocket Guides to various locations where stationed may also be useful, especially in understanding U.S. history of domestic policy with the locations discussed. Of special note is the pamphlet "This is Ann," located in Box 2, File 21, which was drawn by Theodore Geisel, better known for his later pseudonym, Dr. Seuss.

Biographical / historical:

The pamphlets found in this collection highlight the many aspects of military and wartime life, mainly during World War II. The pamphlets provide clues as to how day-to-day military life was conducted during the First and Second World Wars, including the ins-and-outs of pre-military enlistment, the role of women during the war, and perceived German intentions. Many publications offer insight into how a soldier is to conduct himself on and off the battlefield, including restrictions he is to adhere to when returning home. All publications are official United States issue, and are therefore official documentation of how the army communicated with the average soldier.

Acquisition information:
This collection was acquired by transfer from the Federal Depository materials within the circulating collection.
Processing information:

The collection was processed from its original order by government document number into chronological order. Original government document numbers have been retained in the description when available.

Arrangement:

This collection is arranged into 6 series:

Series I: Pre-War and World War I Pamphlets

Series II: Interwar Years Pamphlets

Series IV: Post-War Pamphlets

Series V: Publications

Series VI: Army Talks

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard