HOME FRONT AMERICA: Popular Culture of the...

HOME FRONT AMERICA: Popular Culture of the World War II Era by Robert Heide & John Gilman (Chronicle Books: $17.95; 144 pp., paperback original). It would be flattery to call the text of this catalogue of ‘40s collectibles superficial--a fragmentary timeline is labeled “World War II Highlights.” However, the often hilarious illustrations reveal the commercial excesses of the war years, including “Atom Bomb” and “Gay Furlough” perfumes, a “V for Victory” ceramic flower vase and a painted plaster Hitler pincushion (the pins go in his rear).