December 9, 2013, Armed Services Edition of “The Great Gatsby.” These editions were were small, compact, paperback books printed by the Council on Books in Wartime for distribution within the American military during World War II. The books were meant to provide entertainment to soldiers overseas. Armed Services Edition of “The Great Gatsby.” These editions were were small, compact, paperback books printed by the Council on Books in Wartime for distribution within the American military during World War II. The books were meant to provide entertainment to soldiers overseas.