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

Book and Dagger by Elyse Graham uncovers the fascinating story of academics who transitioned from classrooms to the covert operations of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during WWII. Faced with a pressing need for intelligence expertise, the OSS recruited literature professors, historians, and librarians, transforming them into skilled spies. Through a mix of personal histories, letters, and declassified files, Graham narrates the journeys of remarkable figures like Joseph Curtiss, who tracked down German spies, and Sherman Kent, a witty history professor who became the head of analysis for Europe and Africa. Adele Kibre, an archivist, undertook secret missions to acquire crucial documents in Stockholm.

These scholars not only played pivotal roles in intelligence gathering but also influenced the future of American higher education upon their return from the war. Graham's narrative is both thrilling and meticulously researched, highlighting how this unexpected group of spies utilized their academic skills to change the course of history and emphasizing the enduring impact of the humanities in shaping our world.

With its engaging prose, Book and Dagger is a testament to the power of intellect and adaptability in times of crisis, revealing how ordinary individuals can rise to extraordinary challenges.