At strategic points, Mr. Platt underscores the historical links between the American and Chinese conflagrations, reminding the reader of intersections between a pair of conflicts that have typically been treated separately.

WSJ: Book Review: Autumn in the Heavenly Kingdom

What I find interesting is that the reader -- as a proud American worker -- didn't hesitate to make the demand and, in fact, he felt that earning any less would be beneath him.

CNN: Commentary: U.S. workers will pick that lettuce -- for $1,000 a week

Reader's Digest presented itself as a guardian of American morality and values.

CNN: Rise and fall of Reader's Digest

The UAE site has already acquired a sculpture of a Bactrian princess dating to 3000 BC, a fountain from the early Ottoman period, the paintings Breton Boys Wrestling by Paul Gauguin, and The Subjugated Reader by Rene Magritte, as well as a collection of French and American photography.

BBC: Abu Dhabi takes on the art world

Exactly what the relationship was between Reader's Digest and state foreign policy is unclear, but its role in encouraging American readers to think about and actively engage in world affairs is beyond doubt.

CNN: Rise and fall of Reader's Digest