Topical Guide 266
Mark Dorset
Literature: Its Value and Utility
Real Reality, Fictional Reality
Herb laughed. “Relax, Uncle Ben,” he said. “… I’ve got a plan that will enable me to keep right on selling.”
“Oh?” said Ben, brightening.
“That’s right,” said Herb. “Listen. I’m going to be in a camp with a thousand, ten thousand, I-don’t-know-how-many thousand men. What better place for me to sell — ”
He stopped himself, glanced at his aunt and at his young cousins. They were more attentive than ever before, the new imminence of death or dismemberment lending to Herb’s words a gravity and fascination they’d never had before.
“Sell books,” said Herb.
“Books?” asked Ben. He wore a look of surprise and incredulity.
“That’s right!” said Herb. “Those men are going to be lonely, isn’t that right, Uncle Ben?”
“Oh yes,” said Ben. “I’m certain they will be lonely. Frightened, too, I guess. Lonely and frightened. Mostly frightened.”
“I see what Herb’s getting at,” said Louise. “All those lonely, frightened men. What would they want most?”
“Um, that’s exactly right,” said Herb. He turned toward Ben and risked a wink. “What is it that a man turns to to alleviate his loneliness and fear? What fire drives away the chill of fear and lights even the darkest and loneliest corners?”
“Literature!” shouted Ben. “By God, you’re right, Herb! It’s a brilliant stroke.”Herb ’n’ Lorna, Chapter 5
Soldier’s Kit of Books 1917 - 1918
Little Leather Library books could be purchased to send directly to soldiers fighting in WW1. Set of 5 or 10 came with a kit box, buyers could take their choice from over fifty titles …
See also: Literature and Art: Responding to, Engaging with, Interpreting TG 101; Literature, Juvenile: Primers TG 111; Literature: Children’s TG 115
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