Olympia der Arbeit: Arbeiterjugend im Reichsberufswettkampf
Berlin: Junker und Dünnhaupt, 1937. First edition. Paperback. Quarto. 86, [2]pp. Original photo-illustrated wrappers. Photographically illustrated propaganda publication glorifying the workers who, under the National Socialists, labor to reconstruct a new Germany. Early propaganda work on the Reichsberufswettkampf (National Vocational Competition) which was the annual vocational competition held in Nazi Germany as part of the Gleichschaltung of German society. The competition was organized by the German Labor Front with the aid of the Hitler Youth and the National Socialist German Students' League. It was held at the local, Gau and national level, and was subdivided into numerous vocational and academic branches. Competitors were tested in the theory and practice of their profession, as well as in their adherence to Nazi ideology. Women were also tested in housekeeping. The winners were presented to Labour Front head Robert Ley and to Hitler in person, and could expect substantial professional advancement. The number of competitors grew from some 500,000 in 1934 at the first competition to 3,500,000 in 1939. Students were admitted in 1935 and adults in 1938. The competition was suspended at the outbreak of World War II in 1939, with the exception of a wartime competition (Kriegsreichsberufswettkampf) in 1944. This volume features 72 full-page b/w photographs of almost exclusively young men being trained and at work in all branches of industry, agriculture and sports. Moderate rubbing along edges of wrappers. Front cover slightly rubbed. Corners bumped, thus slightly affecting pages throughout. Text in German, gothic script. Wrappers in overall good, interior in good+ condition. g. Item #36303
Price: $450.00