DEMOCRACY FIGHTS: A HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE IN WORLD WAR II

by Philip N. Guyol '35. Published for theState of New Hampshire by DartmouthPublications, 1951. 350 pp., $3.00.

Anyone who undertakes the writing of a state war history faces an arduous and highly complex task. He is expected to compile an historical record which shall be comprehensive, accurate, and objective, while at the same time his position is analogous to that of an architect or sculptor commissioned to design a monument commemorating heroic achievement and sacrifice. But war memorials have too often been cold, lifeless, and lacking in aesthetic appeal, as have been many state war histories. Philip Guyol, however, has suc- ceeded in producing a volume which conforms to the highest standards of historical research, is interesting and well written, and constitutes a "memorial" in the best sense of the word.

One is impressed first of all by the thoroughness with which the author has mastered the very diverse and complex materials upon which his book is based and by the skill with which he has organized them for his purpose. The contents fall into four parts, dealing respectively with activities of a military character, and those relating to governmental, economic, and cultural aspects of the state's war effort. The average citizen of New Hampshire is certain to be surprised by what he has already forgotten, and still more by details which he was never aware of in the first place! The story here set forth reveals the extent to which the war affected every phase of life in the state and involved, in one way or another, practically every man, woman, and child.

Each page reveals the author's familiarity with the New Hampshire background, which has enabled him to make the innumerable penetrating generalizations which save the book from becoming a mere catalogue of facts and incidents. The following passage which introduces the section dealing with the state's war economy will illustrate the point. "The impact of World War II was felt in every segment of New Hampshire's economy. For five years people worked more, produced more, earned more, saved more, and spent more than ever before in their lives; further, they continued to do so long after the war was over and had been put as far as possible out of mind."

The author resists any temptation toward undiscriminating praise and refers with candor to occasional instances of black market operations and other violations of war regulations. His subtle sense of humor enlivens the text, as in the passage describing the christening ceremony for a remarkable mechanical contrivance known as the "New Hampshire Crusher." The entire book is written in a fresh and vigorous style which makes its striking and rather unconventional title, Democracy Fights, singularly appropriate. The wealth of bibliographical information contained in the appendix and notes will be invaluable to anyone doing research in recent New Hampshire history. The same may be said of the numerous charts and diagrams which illustrate the text.

As a specimen of the bookmarker's art the volume is outstanding and reflects the highest credit upon the editors of Dartmouth Publications. The paper is of excellent quality, the type large and clear, and the general design and format are unusually pleasing to the eye. There are many attractive and well chosen illustrations from photographs reproduced n gravure. Democracy Fights is a bargain at its published price of $3.00.

Should another war emergency arise, Mr. Guyol's analysis of the organization set up during World War 11, together with the constructive criticisms which accompany it, may prove an invaluable guide to future policy. But it is to be hoped that its appeal may consist in its value as history rather than as a blueprint for a future war. Our contribution to the winning of World War II may have been modest in comparison with the achievements of other and larger states, but thanks to Mr. Guyol, New Hampshire has one of the best war histories which the reviewer has seen.