'In this magisterial study Andrew Pettegree, who recently co-wrote a much lauded global history of the library, surveys how books have been put to work during times of crisis.' - Kathryn Hughes 'Rich, authoritative and highly readable, Andrew Pettegree's tour de force will appeal to anyone for whom, whatever the circumstances, books are an abiding, indispensable part of life.' - David Kynaston 'An endlessly fascinating analysis of the part played in history of libraries and their shelved content' - Neil Hegarty 'This study of the ways books have been used in wartime - to escape, as propaganda, burnt or hidden - is a treasure trove of details . Pettegree has an eye for memorable facts' - 'Best Books of the Year 2023' '[A] discursive survey . looks at everything, from the Nazis' book burning to the manuals used to train jihadists in the use of AK-47 rifles, and the books written and read at home and at the front to bolster spirits' - New Statesman.