Staple Day Podcast: When Books Went to War

Occasionally we’ll produce a podcast episode to accompany a new product or address an issue that deserves some deeper conversation. This is just such a time. You can listen right here or follow Staple Day via Spotify.

In this episode we’re discussing Field Notes 69th Quarterly release for the winter of 2025. Many of our limited editions have explored interesting chapters in the history of American, printing, publishing and design and this one goes deep (and sideways) into just such a story.

The “1943” Edition includes unique Two-Way Memo Books and a special edition of Dashiell Hammett’s The Maltese Falcon, published by Field Notes Brand Books.

Starting in 1943, the American government and publishing industry collaborated on creating what came to be known as the Armed Services Editions. More than 120 million books representing over 1,200 titles were printed and distributed to troops overseas during the Second World War. Until now, that list did not include the Falcon.

In this podcast Kevin Guilfoile chats with Molly Guptill Manning, author of When Books Went to War, the definitive account of the history of Armed Services Editions.