Sdf Riedel (1 results)

Softcover. Condition: f to vg. First edition. Small folio (11 7/8 x 9 1/2"). Unpaginated. [32]pp. Original illustrated and photo-illustrated wrappers. Published to comemorate the two year anniversary of the "Propaganda-Abteilung Frankreich," this work is a splendidly produced photographic history of Nazi Germany's propaganda office in France. The Propaganda-Abteilung Frankreich (Propaganda Department in France) was a Nazi propaganda service of the German military command in occupied France from July 18, 1940 to August 1944. This organization was led by Colonel Heinz Schmidtke, one of Joseph Goebbels' most trusted men. After the signing of the Franco-German armistice of June 22, 1940, the occupation authorities first relied on the German embassy in Paris to monitor French publications, shows and radio broadcasts. In mid-July 1940, Colonel Heinz Schmidtke, then commander and liaison officer in the internal press service of the Reich Ministry for the Education of the People and Propaganda, was ordered to go to Paris to set up the "Propaganda-Abteilung Frankreich," which started on July 18, 1940. This work is lavishly illustrated throughout with over 150 photographs and photomontages reproduced in photogravure, showing external and inside views of the "Propaganda-Abteilung Frankreich" office, located in the prestigious Hotel Majestic, as well as officers and civilian personnel at work, photographs of French newspapers and posters promoting collaboration between France and Nazi Germany. Also noteworthy is a photograph of the Star of David bearing the word Juif (Jew) at its center. The last five pages show splendid views of Paris by day (monuments) and night (cabarets), as well as photographs of the ruins caused by the RAF during its bombing of the French capital in March 1942. What the pictures (nor the caption) say is that the British aircrafts successfully targeted the large Renault motor works which were then manufacturing vehicles for the Wehrmacht. Wrappers partly foxed, sunned and rubbed, with tiny chipping at lower margin of front cover. Two vertical folding creases throughout. Text in German. Wrappers in overall fair to good, interior in good+ to very good condition.