Music in World War II

"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