July 13: WWII cartoon lecture at Library of Congress

This month, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress will sponsor two events in its long-running series Books & Beyond. Both events include an author discussion followed by a book-signing, and books will be available for sale. The events are free and open to the public; no tickets are required. All programs are on the sixth-floor Mumford Room of the Library's Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave. S.E.

 

• Wednesday, July 13, at noon

Writer and historian Warren Bernard will discuss and sign his new book, "Cartoons for Victory" (Fantagraphics Books, 2015). The event is co-sponsored with the Prints and Photographs Division.

The years 1939-1945 were a time not only of war but also of great social upheaval. With many men on the battle lines, women were left to work the assembly lines. African-Americans were fighting alongside their white counterparts before discrimination was officially ended. Superman, Donald Duck, Mickey Mouse and other characters helped fight World War II via comic books and strips, single-panel and editorial cartoons and even ads. More than 90 percent of the cartoons and comics in this book have not been seen since their first publication.

Warren Bernard is co-author of the Eisner-nominated "Drawing Power" and the executive director of Small Press Expo. He has lectured on comics at the Library of Congress and the Center for Cartoon Studies.