Original WWII German NSDAP book Das Buch der N.S.D.A.P. – Werden, Kampf und Ziel der N.S.D.A.P.' by Walter M. Espe – II/81. SS-Standarte

This book is an original example of 'Das Buch der N.S.D.A.P. – Werden, Kampf und Ziel der N.S.D.A.P.', written by Walter M. Espe and published in 1934 by G. Schönfeld's Verlagsbuchhandlung in Berlin.The book contains two pages of interesting stamps and belonged to the II/81 SS-Standarte. (Allgemeine SS)The work is bound in sturdy brown linen with black Gothic lettering on the front cover and spine, typical of early National Socialist publications.The book was entirely conceived as a propaganda piece, intended to document and glorify the history, struggle, and objectives of the NSDAP.The opening pages feature a portrait of Adolf Hitler, followed by a dedication to Ernst Röhm, then leader of the SA.This mention makes early editions like this one particularly notable, since Röhm was completely erased from official historiography after his liquidation during the 'Night of the Long Knives' in June 1934.The contents consist of propagandistic texts and poems portraying the party's years of struggle as the heroic rebirth of Germany.In addition, the book contains a large number of photographs and illustrations of party rallies, parades, speeches, and uniforms, as well as detailed overviews of flags, ranks, and insignia of the SA, SS, and other party organizations.As such, it served not only as a form of historiography but also as a manual of NSDAP symbolism and external presentation.A special feature of this example is the presence of dried flowers found between its pages, most likely a personal addition by a former owner.Article number: 16645