Saturday, December 19, 2015

DR. SEUSS AT WAR




Theodor Seuss Geisel a/k/a Dr. Seuss was not exclusively a children's book author and illustrator, and his works were often featured in various magazines such as Life and Vanity Fair as well as in advertisements for various products. He spawned the famous insecticide jingle "Quick Henry, the Flit" which would be instantly recognized today by anyone over 80 years old.

During early World War II, Geisel drew over 400 political cartoons for the PM, a leftist newspaper in New York. Most of his messages were pro-Roosevelt and critical of the Axis powers. He frequently denounced entities he perceived as helping the Nazi war effort, including isolationists (especially Charles Lindbergh), Republicans, anti-Communists, and the Chicago Tribune. He was opposed to all forms of bigotry, except in the case of Japanese-Americans, whom he labelled universally as traitors.

Later on in the war, he prepared drawings for the War Production Board and the Treasury Department, and he eventually enlisted in the US Army and produced various training and propaganda films.

Fans of Geisel's children's books will instantly recognize his artistic style in his World War II political cartoons. In fact, they often feature bizarre creatures and elephants very similar to those he drew for the youngsters. If you do not believe me, you can find some of these cartoons by going to the following website or to the very excellent book Dr. Seuss Goes to War and see for yourself.

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