ANATOMY OF THE SS STATE

by ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 18, 1968

Harsh testimony against Hitler's Reich by four German historians who use cold, scholarly language to document the Nazi crimes against humanity. First published in Germany--where such outspoken indictments of the SS state were once unthinkable--these essays were originally prepared as statements for the prosecution in the Frankfurt atrocity trials held in 1963-1964. Here Dr. Krausnick traces the persecution of the Jews--from its ideological origin in social Darwinism to the implementation of The Final Solution. Hans Buchheim examines the SS as an ""instrument of domination,"" exposing the exact nature of its ""efficiency,"" and shows that ultimately Hitler gave the SS ""noticeable preference"" over the Party itself. Martin Broszat describes the uses of concentration camps as training grounds for the SS (to harden them at the prisoners' expense) and shows how the organization and administration of the camps were ""unlawful"" even on the Reich's terms. Finally, Hans-Adolf Jacobsen presents documentary evidence of the massive ""extermination of Kommandos,"" the Russian prisoners of war--an order that was carried out only reluctantly because it was so blatant a breach of the laws of war. It is a difficult book addressed to scholars and the more ardent readers of Hannah Arendt.

Pub Date: Nov. 18, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Walker

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION