Warrior-Writers of World War II delivers a thorough study of Americans who saw combat in World War II, survived, and returned home to become famous writers. It considers the works of 16 important authors, among them J. D. Salinger, John Ciardi, and James Jones, exploring these men’s war experiences and their reflection in their writings. This includes what they learned about themselves and, even more important, what they can teach the rest of us about war and peace, good and evil, hatred and pity, honor and dishonor, fate and chance—and about the sustaining power of comradeship.

This critical overview will be useful to general readers and academics seeking to deepen their understanding of the impact World War II has had on twentieth-century literature.