Book Description
A treasure trove of World War II-era political cartoons
by the creator of The Cat in the Hat. For decades, readers
throughout the world have enjoyed the wonderful stories and
illustrations of Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr.
Seuss. But few know Geisel's work as a political cartoonist
for the New York daily newspaper PM during World War II. In
these trenchant cartoons, Geisel captured the
Zeitgeist--especially the attitudes of the New Deal liberals
who read PM--with signature Seussian flair. Dr. Seuss Goes to
War features handsome, large-format reproductions of almost
200 of the best of Geisel's cartoons from this time. The
cartoons savage Hitler, Japan, Stalin, Mussolini, and
"isolationist" leaders such as Charles Lindbergh.
They exhort readers to give full support to the war effort,
put up with shortages, buy U. S. savings bonds, and help
control inflation. They are sharply critical of anti-Semitism
and anti-black racism--and, shockingly, undeniably racist in
their portrayal of Japanese Americans. An introduction and
commentary by Richard H. Minear, historian of the era and
author of Victors' Justice, place them in context and
illuminate the national climate they reflect. Lovers of Dr.
Seuss will take renewed delight in his whimsical and
imaginative illustrations even as they may be disturbed by
the attitudes reflected in some of his work. Those for whom
World War II is an abiding passion will find a brand-new look
at the war and American involvement. And those concerned with
American attitudes--particularly in the press--will find that
Dr. Seuss's cartoons of 1941 and 1942 bring back to life the
mood and the issues of the day.
