Das Sowjet-Paradies: Ausstellung der Reichspropagandaleitung der NSDAP
Berlin: Zentralverlag der NSDAP, Franz Eher Nachf. 1942. First edition. Softcover. Octavo. 47 (1)pp. Original illustrated wraps with red and white lettering on cover. Publisher's device on title page. Cover illustration by Axter-Heudtlaß, Berlin.
Historically important catalog for the NS propaganda exhibition shown in Berlin from May 8 - June 21, 1942. The exhibition was also shown in Vienna and Prague. It was organized under the direction of Paul Boetticher, the director of the department Exhibitions and Fairs in the Main Propaganda Office of the NSDAP, and designed by Otto Jahn. Photographs and diagrams used in the catalog were provided by the Institute for German Culture and Economy Propaganda (Institut für Deutsche Kultur- und Wirtschaftspropaganda). The design is considered to be one of the "Highlights of Anti-Communist Picture-Rhetoric" (Gerhard Paul, Das visuelle Zeitalter, 2016). Goebbels was exalted when seeing the plans for the exhibition and sure it would provide the utmost support for the war against the Soviet Union.
The catalog is profusely illustrated with b/w photographs showing installations and artwork of the exhibition as well as maps and diagrams accentuating the miserable conditions of culture and economy on one hand and the tremendous threat of the Soviet aggression on the other. The photographs documenting the exhibition are by Max Krajewski. An attack of the exhibition by the antifascist group "Gruppe Baum" in May 1942 caused only minimal damage and eleven people had minor injuries. The damage was repaired promptly and the exhibition continued. Members of the resistance group were arrested soon after and executed. In acts of retaliation by the SS 250 Jews were murdered and an additional 250 deported to Concentration Camps (Inszenierung der Macht, Neue Gesellschaft für Bildende Kunst, 1987). Protected by modern mylar. Text in German. With minor wear and age-toning. Near fine condition. Item #46522
Price: $500.00