NEA behind soldiers' tome

During the past few years, dozens of books have been released about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. But a publication due next fall from the Random House Publishing Group stands out for one key reason: It was originated by the federal government.

"Above and Beyond," a compilation of poetry, fiction and nonfiction by U.S. soldiers and their families about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, was conceived last year by the National Endowment for the Arts. Tom Clancy was among the writers who led workshops for contributors.

NEA Chairman Dana Gioia said several publishers were interested and that Random House was chosen from among four finalists. He said that Random House's bid, in the low six figures, will go to the Southern Arts Federation, a not-for-profit agency that has administered the NEA's "Operation Homecoming," out of which "Above and Beyond" was developed.