SS-LEIBSTANDARTE The History of the First SS Division 1933-1945

<DIV>This in-depth examination of the first Waffen-SS unit explores its genesis as Hitler's bodyguard detachment, the men it recruited, key figures involved and its organization. A full combat record of the SS-Leibstandarte, which fought on both fronts of the European theater, is accompanied by rare, archival photography, descriptions of training methods and depictions of uniforms and insignia.</div>

The First one formed, the Fuhrer (Adolf Hitler) beloved one, recipient of teh best, men, weapons. But also the one that provided more war criminals, and the first one to renegade the Fuhrer, This is the story rude, crude and without passion of the Leibsstandarte Adolf Hitler or LSAH. Formed iniatially as the pretorian guard of Hitler, the LSAH, would become in 19-40-45, the most feared and most effective german formation of the Waffen SS and probably of teh German Armed Forces, with members devoted to death for the Fuhrer and fot the Vaterland, they were and are still a fine example of what is made an Elite soldier, but they were also, and thats why usually they are rememberd for, blood thirsty criminals, brain washed to the superiority of the Arian race, and they would pay for the best and the worse they had after May 1945. But until the end of the war they palyed part on some of the most bloody battles ever fought by any unit of teh waffen ss, and they suffered much more losses than any other unit of any army in WW2, simply because they were the best, and they didn't surrender. This book shows all the history and life of the LSAH, and the odds they faced against superior enemy forces, often in a 1:100. I recommend this book as well as the one on the 2dn Waffen SS Division Das Reich, because you can see how different the waffen ss were from division to division, and how they did compete for the excellence in battle, at the cost of their one existance. --By alex mariano

Finally an author who employs fact rather than overblown biases. This, like Mr. Butler's other books, does an excellent job of providing facts in a balanced way. Definitely recommended. --By Stahl