Culture and Propaganda in World War II

Morris, John. Culture and Propaganda in World War II: Music, Film and the Battle for National Identity. I.B. Tauris, 2014.

Morris covers the topic from British experience before and during the War. He shows “how so-called ‘serious’ music was deliberately used to present the ideals of democratic freedom.” He does not take music away from context and place it only in the realm of intent. He argues that context is all important for a consideration of this magnitude, i.e. how ‘serious’ music, whatever its original intent, was used by the powers that be for propaganda purposes during the mighty stress period of war. Morris shows that while there was no deliberate harnessing of music for propaganda purposes, it was certainly used in service to the war effort.

Certainly a fine and extensive Bibliography which lists primary and secondary sources, and an extensive list of musical works cited and filmography. Marvelous resource for British music during World War II.