Kilroy Was Here: The Best American Humor from World War II

FROM OUR EDITORS

The Barnes & Noble Review
TV and radio icon Charles Osgood presents a hilarious and uplifting anthology of World War II military humor -- the kind of material that kept the members of "the Greatest Generation" laughing and (somewhat) relaxed in the face of the enormous struggles they faced. How do you make a war funny? You start with a little cartoon character named Kilroy. He's the little round-headed guy who seemed to pop up everywhere during the war, his long nose stuck over the fence. In his introduction, Osgood tells us that there was an actual person behind the Kilroy cartoon, a shipyard welding inspector in Quincy, Massachusetts. Rather than the usual little chalk mark on an approved piece of steelwork, Kilroy would draw his little cartoon, accompanied by the phrase, "Kilroy Was Here." It was just his way of letting the troops know that the boys back home were looking after them. The Kilroy cartoon soon started appearing everywhere from the Arc de Triomphe to a bridge in China, becoming a constant source of humor and reassurance to those far from home. The book features many humorous cartoons, including some of the classic works of the legendary Bill Maudlin; a hysterical "Dictionary of American Military Slang, 1941-1944"; comic verse on the frustrations of wartime service; and many humorous essays from such esteemed publications as Yank, The Army Weekly, and Reader's Digest. (Nicholas Sinisi)

Nicholas Sinisi is the Barnes & Noble.com History Editor.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

War is hell, but it can also be hilarious. And in no war was this more true than in World War II. While there is nothing remotely funny about the war itself, it's clear that some of the hardship endured in that conflict was made more bearable by generous doses of humor. Now, Emmy Award -- winning television journalist Charles Osgood has collected an assortment of classic stories and comic tales that buoyed the spirits of Americans who served on land, at sea, and in the air. The title of the collection, Kilroy Was Here, refers to the ubiquitous piece of graffiti that U.S. servicemen scrawled in bizarre and unlikely places. The majority of the pieces were created during the war itself: a dictionary of military slang, poignant cartoons by Bill Mauldin, Marion Hargrove's riotously funny descriptions of army life. The topics range from the wretched food to rivalry between the service branches, from boot camp bullies to R 'n' R. The book also includes comic anecdotes from celebrities such as Bob Hope, Buddy Hackett, and the Andrews Sisters, and an insightful and moving introductory essay by Charles Osgood. A wonderful compilation of significant writing, this treasury of wit and humor is also a tribute to all who served and an inspiring celebration of America's indomitable spirit.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Award-winning radio and television journalist Osgood (See You on the Radio) is better known for the CBS radio program The Osgood File and his CBS TV program Sunday Morning than for his books. "When we think of the Second World War, the word `humor' is not exactly the first thing that springs to mind," he says here. Yet he has assembled an appealing collection of stories and anecdotes that present the "funny" side of war, from army slang to Bill Mauldin cartoons and veterans' stories the humor that helped many Americans cope with the tragedy of world conflict. In addition, he has compiled a hilarious assortment of magazine and newspaper coverage of GI humor. The title comes from the James J. Kilroy character made famous by GI graffiti. Those who lived through the war years might find this book a more pleasant way to remember their experiences. Osgood's introductory essay is worth reading, and "The Dictionary of Military Slang" is a gem. The stories of "secret weapons" are witty and entertaining, as are the collected thoughts and stories of Bob Hope and other celebrities. Recommended for all public and general collections. David Alperstein, Queens Borough P.L., Jamaica, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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