Fritz, Stephen G.

Frontsoldaten: The German Soldier in World War II

ISBN: 0813119200
Lexington, KY: The University Press of Kentucky, 1995. First Edition. Hardcover. "In exploring the reality of the Landser, the average German soldier in World War II, through letters, diaries, memoirs, and oral histories, Stephen G. Fritz provides the definitive account of the everyday war of the German front soldier. The personal documents of these soldiers, most from the Russian front, where the majority of German infantrymen saw service, paint a richly textured portrait of the Landser that illustrates the complexity and paradox of his daily life. Although clinging to a self-image as a decent fellow, the German soldier nonetheless committed terrible crimes in the name of National Socialism. Idealistic and motivated by a desire to create a new society, he waged a cruel ideological war on behalf of a racist conception of national community. Though he was fiercely proud of his skill and resilience, his stubborn efforts ultimately led only to more senseless destruction." (from front flap) The lives & deeds of Nazi German soldiers during the Second World War, with an overwhelming emphasis on the especially notorious Eastern Front, as told by the soldiers themselves. Author Stephen G. Fritz (b. 1949) is an acclaimed academician who has written prolifically on modern German history. Here he comments extensively between quotes, weaving an insightful big-picture comprehension of real-life soldiery & atrocity from myriad granular, individual perspectives. With Preface, extensive notes, bibliography & index. Hardcover in unclipped dust jacket, first edition, first printing, though neither are stated on copyright page in the academic publishing tradition. A most rewarding & collectible volume for scholars of the darkest (yet) period of world history. Book in very fine condition with only very slight wear to edges & corners of black cloth front, back covers & spine (letters at spine completely bright & intact); a touch of rubbing, spotting at upper edge of text block. Interior very fine with only signature, time & year (close to publication) by previous owner in black ink at blank front endpaper near upper right corner, otherwise substantially mint. Dust jacket very fine with only very light rubbing to front, back covers & spine; a few tiny bumps, creases at thin edges & corners of same & flaps. Very Fine / Very Fine. [Item #5313]

Price: $35.00