An original 1940 Third Reich hardcover edition of “Die Wehrmacht”, officially published by the Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW – German High Command) and printed by Verlag Die Wehrmacht, Berlin.
Published under the subtitle “Der Freiheitskampf des großdeutschen Volkes”, this substantial volume documents the opening campaigns of the Second World War from the official German military perspective. Produced as an authorized wartime publication, it combines detailed articles written by senior military officers and correspondents with hundreds of period photographs illustrating the German armed forces in action.
Topics include the Luftwaffe during the Polish Campaign, Kriegsmarine and U-boat operations, the Norwegian Campaign, the Western Campaign of 1940, armored warfare, infantry operations, and numerous reports from the front. The volume also contains the original color portrait of Adolf Hitler as Supreme Commander of the Wehrmacht, along with an introductory message bearing the printed facsimile signature of Generalfeldmarschall Walter von Brauchitsch.
This is an excellent original reference work and a desirable period publication for collectors interested in the German Army, Luftwaffe, Kriegsmarine, wartime propaganda, or original WWII military books.
Condition
Very good original condition.
The original olive-green cloth hardcover remains complete and solid with only moderate shelf wear, light soiling, and minor corner wear consistent with age. The binding is firm, and the interior is clean with attractive age toning. The color frontispiece and photographic illustrations remain well preserved throughout.
Specifications
Period: Third Reich (1933–1945)
Country: Germany
Title: Die Wehrmacht
Year: 1940
Publisher: Verlag Die Wehrmacht, Berlin
Issued by: Oberkommando der Wehrmacht (OKW)
Language: German
Binding: Original cloth hardcover
Illustrations: Numerous photographs and color frontispiece
Originality: Original wartime publication
Historical Note
Published during the early victories of the Second World War, Die Wehrmacht served as one of the principal official publications of the German High Command. Combining operational reports, essays by senior officers, and extensive photographic coverage, it documented the activities of the Army, Luftwaffe, and Kriegsmarine while presenting events through the official wartime narrative of the German military leadership. Today, these books are valued as important primary-source documents illustrating how the Wehrmacht portrayed its campaigns during the conflict.
