As fans of both the pulp tradition and history, we're excited that Simon & Schuster has launched its Pulp History imprint, which features real-life World War II–era adventure sagas told in the style of the old-school pulps.

The series debuts with two titles: "Devil Dog" by David Talbot, the author of the bestseller "Brothers: The Hidden History of the Kennedy Years"; and '"Shadow Knights," by Salon.com co-founder Gary Kamiya.

"Devil Dog" tells the story of Smedley Butler (actual name!), the most decorated Marine in U.S. history. He fought in Nicaragua, Haiti and France and faced down gangsters in Philadelphia, before stifling a coup attempt on FDR. "Shadow Knights" is about Winston Churchill's secret army of housewives, schoolteachers, prostitutes and farmers who parachuted into Nazi Germany to take down Hitler from within.

With everybody from David Simon to R. Crumb raving about them, you'll be in good company if you join us in nerding out about these. Keep reading for a promotional trailer of the series.