L. W. Currey, Inc.

Knauss, Robert, writing as "Major Helders." LUFTKRIEG 1938 von Major Helders [pseudonym]. Berlin: Traditions-Verlag Kolk & Co., n.d. [1934]. Octavo, pp. [1-8] 9-148 149-150: ads [151-152: blank] [note: first and last leaves are blanks], three maps and three plans on a single folded sheet inserted at rear, original light green cloth, front and spine stamped in red. Second edition. A slightly revised edition of Knauss's earlier LUFTKRIEG 1936. DIE ZERTRUMMERUNG VON PARIS (1932). "Robert Knauss's LUFTKRIEG 1938 ... fantasized a confrontation between England and France. Writing under the pseudonym 'Major Helders,' Knauss wanted his readers to realize that air power (in general) and 'flying fortress' bombers (in particular) would decide the outcome of the next war. Like other radical nationalist visionaries, he devoted most of his attention to detailed descriptions of battles, strategies, and weaponry. His hero, the English air force commander Brackley, is a carbon copy of the imaginary German leaders in other right-wing prophecies: 'What was special about Colonel Brackeley? It was hard to describe with words; a medium large sturdy build; because of its manliness, an absorbing rather ugly face; very calm, deep-set eyes over high cheek bones; an austere, almost lipless mouth -- but all this was not essential. What was fascinating about this personality was its complete closedness. Every moment, every terse word had to be as it was and not otherwise. For the general staff officers who worked with him on a daily basis, this personal aura was almost uncanny. How often had they thought they were well-prepared to report a flawlessly logical presentation to the commander? And then they experienced how a with single word, often just a glance from the grey eyes, their entire argument was destroyed.' Brackley is firm, mysterious, infallible. In times of crisis, he surveys the situation 'with lightning speed.' His war is one of movement, of risk-taking, of annihilation. Modern airplane technology allows him to carry out a style of warfare that fits his chivalric, warrior spirit. Only for an instant does he pity the population of Paris as his planes pour bombs over the city in a surprise attack. Pity, though, is not a virtue in the nationalist mind, though Vernichtungswille [the will to annihilate] is." - Peter Fisher. Published in English as THE WAR IN THE AIR, 1936 (London: John Hamilton, 1932). Clarke, Voices Prophesying War: Future Wars 1763-3749 (1992), p. 239. Fisher, Fantasy and Politics: Visions of the Future in the Weimar Republic, pp. 92-3. Bloch (2002) 1441. Not in Nagl. Small private owner's name and address stamped in ink at upper right corner of the front free endpaper, a nearly fine copy in very good pictorial dust jacket with mild wear at edges, slight loss to corner tips, tiny chip from upper edge of front panel, tiny closed tear at lower front spine fold, short closed tears to spine ends, and closed tear with associated wrinkle at lower edge of rear panel. Scarce in jacket. (#140747).

Price: $250.00