War, by definition, is a terrible thing. It brings terror, destruction, pain, suffering, loss, death, and much more. But at the same time, great advances in the things of civilization can and do occur as a result of such conflict. It's easy to notice the great advances that have come out of war, such as better transportation and better healthcare. It's less easy to notice the little things of everyday life, such as better fabrics. better methods for preserving food, and better tools for recording our history, our cares, and our joys. This book takes as its subject the changes war has wrought on one small, but not at all insignificant, tool that we, service members and civilians alike, use to conduct our daily business: the fountain pen.
