Created in 1942 by American artist Steve Broder, Books Are Weapons in the War of Ideas is a powerful example of Second World War propaganda art, celebrating the enduring importance of books, knowledge and intellectual freedom.
 
The dramatic composition depicts Nazi soldiers burning books beneath an enormous open volume bearing the words of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, beginning with the declaration, “Books cannot be killed by fire.”
 
Set against a striking red background, the stark black-and-white illustration conveys the conflict between censorship and freedom of thought. The bold typography reinforces the poster's central message: that books and ideas are powerful instruments in the defence of democracy.
 
This historically important poster reflects the role of graphic design in shaping public opinion during wartime.
 
Particularly appealing to collectors of vintage posters, literary art, political history and twentieth-century graphic design.