Book excerpt: This book showcases the engravings made by U.S. soldiers on their lighters during the height of the conflict, from 1965 to 1973. Sherry Buchanan tells the fascinating story of how the Zippo became a talisman and companion for American GIs during their tours of duty. We see how Zippo lighters were used during the war, and we discover how they served as a canvas for both personal and political expression during the Age of Aquarius engraved with etchings and slogans steeped in all the rock lyrics, sound bites, combat slang, and antiwar mottos of the time.