Product ID: WAWDR
Control Number: 7534614
Words at War 90 Episodes
Words at War was a powerful and thought-provoking World War II radio drama that aired from 1943 to 1945, produced by NBC in cooperation with the Council on Books in Wartime. The program’s purpose was to bring the ideas, emotions, and realities of the global conflict to the American home front through dramatizations of contemporary war-related books, essays, and firsthand accounts. Rather than focusing on battle scenes, Words at War explored the human and moral dimensions of war — the courage, sacrifice, fear, and hope that defined an era.
Each week, listeners heard vivid adaptations of works by prominent authors and journalists of the day, including John Hersey, Irwin Shaw, and Eric Sevareid. The series tackled issues such as resistance under occupation, the plight of refugees, the brutality of fascism, and the struggles of soldiers and civilians alike. With its intelligent scripts, haunting music, and strong performances, Words at War elevated wartime propaganda into genuine art, blending education with emotional storytelling to strengthen national understanding of why the war was being fought.
The Stars
The program featured many of radio’s most distinguished performers, including Myron McCormick, Les Tremayne, Karl Swenson, and Frank Lovejoy, each lending their talents to create authentic and deeply felt portrayals. The narrators and actors approached every episode with sincerity and restraint, avoiding melodrama while conveying the emotional truth of the stories. Behind the microphone, Words at War benefited from the skilled direction of Edward King and production by Joseph Losey and William Bacher, whose vision gave the series its distinctive blend of journalistic realism and dramatic power.
Key Dates
Aired: 1943 1945
Network: NBC Radio
Produced in cooperation with: The Council on Books in Wartime
Directors and Producers: Edward King, Joseph Losey, William Bacher
Notable Adaptations: Guadalcanal Diary by Richard Tregaskis, They Call It Pacific by Clark Lee, Hostages by Stefan Heym, and Here Is Your War by Ernie Pyle
Other Information
Words at War received wide acclaim for its honesty and artistry, standing out among wartime broadcasts for its literary quality and emotional depth. The series avoided glorifying combat, instead portraying war as a moral challenge that demanded courage, unity, and understanding. Many historians and critics have since praised it as one of the finest examples of radio’s ability to inform and inspire through dramatic storytelling.
Even after the war, recordings of Words at War remained influential as historical documents, offering future generations insight into the mindset of Americans during World War II. Today, it endures as a remarkable fusion of journalism, literature, and radio drama — a testament to the power of words to illuminate both the horrors of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
This collection comes preloaded on a USB stick, allowing you to easily transfer all episodes to the device of your choice. Enjoy seamless playback a perfect blend of vintage charm and modern convenience.
Suggested Retail Price: $14.99
Mice Price: $11.59
Weight: 0.0500 pounds
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