An “original and insightful” look at World War II through the lens of theater, propaganda, and the most important performances in human history (Richard Cole, PhD).
In this fascinating book, more relevant than ever in today’s political climate of “fake news” and “alternative facts,” bestselling author and historian Nathaniel Lande presents WWII as a drama staged and overseen by four contrasting masters: Roosevelt, Churchill, Hitler, and Stalin. Each man had his own script for elaborately produced campaigns of deception, winning hearts and minds on the frontlines and the home front.
Each leader used all the resources at his disposal to promote his own narrative of the Second World War. Brilliantly conceived oratory was applied to underscore each vision. Impression management—the art of political spin—was employed to drive the message home. Each side used uniforms and meticulously staged events, and broadcast their messages via all media available—motion pictures, radio broadcasts, songs, posters, leaflets, and beyond.
The result of Lande’s exploration is “an illuminating, readable, and still very relevant account of the ways in which theatrical staging, dramatic storytelling, and message manipulation were key to the efforts of both sides during those turbulent years” (Richard Zoglin, senior editor, Time).
