Book and Dagger: How Scholars and Librarians Became the Unlikely Spies of World War II BY Elyse Graham

Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham chronicles the fascinating transformation of academics into OSS spies during World War II. As the U.S. faced an urgent need for intelligence, the Office of Strategic Services sought out experts from academia—literature professors, historians, and librarians—who were quickly trained in espionage and undercover operations. This compelling narrative spotlights key figures like Joseph Curtiss, a literature professor who turned German spies into double agents; Sherman Kent, a witty history professor who became the head of analysis for Europe and Africa; and Adele Kibre, an archivist tasked with covertly acquiring vital documents in Stockholm.

Through personal histories, letters, and declassified files, Graham reveals how these scholars not only contributed to the war effort but also profoundly influenced American higher education upon their return. Their innovative approaches to intelligence work laid the groundwork for modern spycraft and showcased the transformative power of the humanities in a time of crisis. Book and Dagger is a thrilling, rigorously researched account that celebrates the unlikely heroes who helped defeat the Nazis, illustrating how knowledge and intellect can indeed change the course of history.