top of page

Penguin Books: The Impact of World War II on the Publisher

Penguin Books, founded in 1935 by Allen Lane, was a major publisher during World War II and the war had a significant impact on the company. At the beginning of the war, Penguin faced a crisis when paper shortages made it difficult to produce books. However, the company adapted by producing smaller books and using lower-quality paper. This helped to keep the company afloat and allowed them to continue publishing during the war.

During the war, Penguin published a wide range of titles, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and drama. Many of these books were focused on the war effort and aimed to boost morale and educate the public about the war. Penguin also published books for troops, including pocket-sized books that soldiers could carry with them on the front lines.

The war also had a major impact on Penguin's distribution and sales. With many bookstores and libraries closed or destroyed, Penguin had to find new ways to get books to readers. The company began selling books through newsstands, post offices, and other outlets, and also began publishing books in bulk for schools and libraries.

Despite the challenges of the war, Penguin continued to grow and diversify during this period. In 1940, the company launched its first non-fiction imprint, Pelican Books, which focused on affordable non-fiction titles on a wide range of subjects. In 1942, Penguin also began publishing poetry, which was a great success.

Penguin's commitment to making books accessible to everyone was also reflected in their war efforts. They began publishing a series of books called "Penguin Specials" which were low-priced books focused on current political and social issues. These books helped to inform and educate the public during the war.

In conclusion, World War II had a significant impact on Penguin Books. The paper shortages and distribution challenges the company faced during the war forced them to adapt and find new ways to get books to readers. Despite these challenges, Penguin continued to publish a wide range of titles and remained committed to making books accessible to everyone. The company's adaptability and commitment to accessibility during this period laid the foundation for Penguin's continued success as a publisher in the decades that followed.

19 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


©2025. Elite Publishing Company.

bottom of page