Rarest book?

[The Prussian]

I think my collection of the official recordings of the german general staff are quite rare. Volumes 13 and 14 (including map volume) might exist just a few times worldwide.

Here is the index:

Anlagen = Appendixes

Karten = Maps

S. = Pages

 

1) Die Grenzschlachten im Westen (1925), 719 S., 3 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 10 Skizzen

2) Die Befreiung Ostpreußens (1925), 390 S., 3 Anlagen, 14 Karten, 11 Skizzen

3) Der Marne-Feldzug (Von der Sambre zur Marne) (1926), 427 S., 7 Karten, 11 Skizzen

4) Der Marne-Feldzug (Die Schlacht) (1926), 576 S., 3 Anlagen, 10 Karten, 6 Skizzen

5) Der Herbst-Feldzug 1914 (Im Westen bis zum Stellungskrieg ; Im Osten bis zum Rückzug) (1929), 643 S., 3 Anlagen, 18 Karten, 14 Skizzen

6) Der Herbst-Feldzug 1914 (Der Abschluß der Operationen im Westen und Osten) (1929), 500 S., 4 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 14 Skizzen

7) Die Operationen des Jahres 1915 (Die Ereignisse im Winter und Frühjahr) (1931), 493 S., 2 Anlagen, 17 Karten, 22 Skizzen

8 ) Die Operationen des Jahres 1915 (Die Ereignisse im Westen im Frühjahr und Sommer, im Osten vom Frühjahr bis zum Jahresschluß) (1932), 666 S., 4 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 32 Skizzen

9) Die Operationen des Jahres 1915 (Die Ereignisse im Westen und auf dem Balkan vom Sommer bis zum Jahresschluß) (193), 519 S., 7 Anlagen, 5 Karten, 29 Skizzen

10) Die Operationen des Jahres 1916 (bis zum Wechsel in der Obersten Heeresleitung) (1936), 706 S., 4 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 37 Skizzen

11) Die Kriegsführung im Herbst 1916 und im Winter 1916/1917 (Vom Wechsel in der Obersten Heeresleitung bis zum Entschluß zum Rückzug in die Siegfried-Stellung) (1938 ), 545 S., 8 Anlagen, 6 Karten, 26 Skizzen

12) Die Kriegsführung im Frühjahr 1917 (1939), 606 S., 26 Karten, 3 Skizzen

13) Die Kriegsführung im Sommer und Herbst 1917 / Die Ereignisse außerhalb der Westfront bis November 1918 (1942), 483 S., 30 Karten

14) Die Kriegführung an der Westfront im Jahre 1918 (1944), 793 S.

Kartenband zu 14) (1944), 45 Karten

Kriegsrüstung und Kriegswirtschaft (1930), 496 S.

Kriegsrüstung und Kriegswirtschaft (Anlagenband) (1930), 534 S.

Das deutsche Feldeisenbahnwesen (Die Eisenbahnen zu Kriegsbeginn) (1928 ), 247 S., 17 Anlagen, 6 Karten, 88 Skizzen

Das deutsche Feldeisenbahnwesen (Die Eisenbahnen von Oktober 1914 bis zum Kriegsende) (2010), 454 S.

Bildermappe (35 Bilder)

 

Edited 30 August , 2016 by Prussian

[The Prussian]

This one is really rare!

Oberst Georg Bruchmüller: Die Artillerie beim Angriff im Stellungskrieg

Oberst Bruchmüller created the "Feuerwalze" (Firewaltz). I did see that book only 2-3 times in german book stores.

Mine has also a personally dedication:

Herrn Oberst Buchholz

zur Erinnerung an vergangene große Zeiten

Berlin, den 25. November 1926

Der Verfasser

To Colonel Buchholz

In memory of past, great times.

Berlin, november, 25, 1926

The author

 

Colonel Buchholz served in 1925 in the "Inspection of weapons and equipment", in the great war he used to be captain and adjutant of the 2nd foot-artillery-inspection.

The commander was Oberst Bruchmüller.

 

Edited 30 August , 2016 by Prussian

[Broznitsky]

James, I hate to burst your bubble, but Canada in Khaki is easily found.  The leather rebinding was likely done by an owner along its provenanc, after publication.

[MartH]

On 8/30/2016 at 04:59, Prussian said:

I think my collection of the official recordings of the german general staff are quite rare. Volumes 13 and 14 (including map volume) might exist just a few times worldwide.

Here is the index:

Anlagen = Appendixes

Karten = Maps

S. = Pages

 

1) Die Grenzschlachten im Westen (1925), 719 S., 3 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 10 Skizzen

2) Die Befreiung Ostpreußens (1925), 390 S., 3 Anlagen, 14 Karten, 11 Skizzen

3) Der Marne-Feldzug (Von der Sambre zur Marne) (1926), 427 S., 7 Karten, 11 Skizzen

4) Der Marne-Feldzug (Die Schlacht) (1926), 576 S., 3 Anlagen, 10 Karten, 6 Skizzen

5) Der Herbst-Feldzug 1914 (Im Westen bis zum Stellungskrieg ; Im Osten bis zum Rückzug) (1929), 643 S., 3 Anlagen, 18 Karten, 14 Skizzen

6) Der Herbst-Feldzug 1914 (Der Abschluß der Operationen im Westen und Osten) (1929), 500 S., 4 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 14 Skizzen

7) Die Operationen des Jahres 1915 (Die Ereignisse im Winter und Frühjahr) (1931), 493 S., 2 Anlagen, 17 Karten, 22 Skizzen

8 ) Die Operationen des Jahres 1915 (Die Ereignisse im Westen im Frühjahr und Sommer, im Osten vom Frühjahr bis zum Jahresschluß) (1932), 666 S., 4 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 32 Skizzen

9) Die Operationen des Jahres 1915 (Die Ereignisse im Westen und auf dem Balkan vom Sommer bis zum Jahresschluß) (193), 519 S., 7 Anlagen, 5 Karten, 29 Skizzen

10) Die Operationen des Jahres 1916 (bis zum Wechsel in der Obersten Heeresleitung) (1936), 706 S., 4 Anlagen, 7 Karten, 37 Skizzen

11) Die Kriegsführung im Herbst 1916 und im Winter 1916/1917 (Vom Wechsel in der Obersten Heeresleitung bis zum Entschluß zum Rückzug in die Siegfried-Stellung) (1938 ), 545 S., 8 Anlagen, 6 Karten, 26 Skizzen

12) Die Kriegsführung im Frühjahr 1917 (1939), 606 S., 26 Karten, 3 Skizzen

13) Die Kriegsführung im Sommer und Herbst 1917 / Die Ereignisse außerhalb der Westfront bis November 1918 (1942), 483 S., 30 Karten

14) Die Kriegführung an der Westfront im Jahre 1918 (1944), 793 S.

Kartenband zu 14) (1944), 45 Karten

Kriegsrüstung und Kriegswirtschaft (1930), 496 S.

Kriegsrüstung und Kriegswirtschaft (Anlagenband) (1930), 534 S.

Das deutsche Feldeisenbahnwesen (Die Eisenbahnen zu Kriegsbeginn) (1928 ), 247 S., 17 Anlagen, 6 Karten, 88 Skizzen

Das deutsche Feldeisenbahnwesen (Die Eisenbahnen von Oktober 1914 bis zum Kriegsende) (2010), 454 S.

Bildermappe (35 Bilder)

 

 

Sorry to deflate and inflate you but a few comments about Vol 13 and Vol 14. 

 

Your Vol 13 is 1942 Restricted Copy,  your bibliographical details for Vol 14. are wrong (as it is everywhere) Vol 14 was never published in 1944, but in 1956 by the  Bundesarchiv. The 1956 copy is a facsimile reproduction with corrections of 1944 proof copy. The were 4 photographic copies made of the proof copy in 1945 for the occupying powers and a magazine article based upon the US copy triggered the 1956 printing.

 

The 13 in this edition is rare, but more have survived than you think, and is even available on inter library loan in Germany, search the forum.

 

As for existing only a few times worldwide, every worldwide major military library has a set, some with a 42 Vol 13 since the maps are in colour. 

 

You have a very nice set.

[The Prussian]

Hi Mart!

Thank you for your reply!

You´re right about vol. 14. It really was published in ´56. I showed it here, because no exposure was published in ´44. But I think it´s rare in private hands.

A lot of libraries own it but they are not for sale.

There is a difference for the vol, 13. The originals were published in 42, but only for selected officers. Most of them were destroyed during the war. In 56 the Bundesarchiv published a few with "Bundesarchiv". The difference are the black and white maps. Mine has coloured maps and it is marked with "nur zum Dienstgebrauch" (published by the Oberkommando des Heeres", so my volume is one of the few that survived the war.

Some german sorces say, that there were just a handful of them left.

My map-exposure of vol. 14 is like brand-new. I bought it and I recognized, that the maps are in an excellent condition.

Maybe there are some sets in several libraries, but I know only a few persons who have the entire collection in private hands. I don´t want to boast, but... damn... I do...

Edited 3 September , 2016 by Prussian

[Dust Jacket Collector]

Going back to Post 714 'The War the Infantry Knew', fellow collectors with very deep pockets might like to know that this very copy has just gone on ABE for £3250 (I'll step aside so as not to be trampled in the rush).

[barkalotloudly]

i hope it also had the original notes that Dunn used when writing this book!!!! {which to date have never surfaced } popular wisdom is that he destroyed them all 

[barkalotloudly]

Just purchased "the Popes of Wrackleford" for an arm and two legs but a very scarce item only the second copy i have seen 

[Dust Jacket Collector]

1 hour ago, barkalotloudly said:

i hope it also had the original notes that Dunn used when writing this book!!!! {which to date have never surfaced } popular wisdom is that he destroyed them all 

Sadly not even a signature.

'The Popes of Wrackleford' ? Not heard of that one before.

My latest is a rare memorial volume, 'Four Brothers in the World War' written by their father & privately printed in Hove in 1932. Only an arm & 1 leg, fortunately.

[Dust Jacket Collector]

1 hour ago, barkalotloudly said:

Just purchased "the Popes of Wrackleford" for an arm and two legs but a very scarce item only the second copy i have seen 

Ah, I have it now. It's called 'Lest we Forget' by Pope. A memorial volume like the one I mentioned - what a coincidence!

[barkalotloudly]

i replied to a request on the GWF for a copy of the West Yorks 2/6th battalion history the chap in question was looking to purchase a copy and mentioned he was only aware of 2 other copies i must admit whereas the 1/6th battalion seems quite common, this volume does seem very scarce which seems a little strange although they were written by different individuals 

[MartH]

Just picked up some of the original volumes of the Ministry of Munitions Official History, lovely, though they are the later 23/24 printing. 

[barkalotloudly]

33 minutes ago, MartH said:

Just picked up some of the original volumes of the Ministry of Munitions Official History, lovely, though they are the later 23/24 printing. 

do not tell DJC !!! 

[Dust Jacket Collector]

35 minutes ago, barkalotloudly said:

do not tell DJC !!! 

I heard that!

1 hour ago, MartH said:

Just picked up some of the original volumes of the Ministry of Munitions Official History, lovely, though they are the later 23/24 printing. 

Oh, very nice. Personally I've rather given up on ever getting my hands on a set. More frustratingly, a friend of mine has a complete set of all 12 volumes but no amount of persuasion or money on my part can get her to part with them (she's never even read them!)

[MaureenE]

If anyone is interested in the contents of the Ministry of Munitions Official History, rather than the actual books, most of them are available online: (click on coloured text)

History of the Ministry of Munitions Volumes 1-8, of a 12 volume series, published 1922 by HMSO. Archive.org. Note: Each Volume may consist of a number of different parts, separately numbered, each with its own Contents page. Volumes 10 and 12 The Supply of Munitions, and additional restricted viewing editions Hathi Trust Digital Library.  Volume 10 consists of Guns, Gun Ammunition: General, Gun Ammunition: Shell Manufacture,  Gun Ammunition: Explosives, Gun Ammunition: Filling and Completing, Anti-Aircraft Supplies.  Volume 12 consists of Aircraft, Aerial Bombs, Tanks, Mechanical Transport Vehicles, Railway Materials and Ropeways, Agricultural Machinery.

 

Cheers

Maureen

[Dust Jacket Collector]

Thanks Maureen,

I think those of us searching for original editions already have a set of the Naval & Military Press reprints. We're certainly interested in the contents, we just want to have the books as they originally appeared in print. Modern reproductions often fall short of originals, usually lacking or poorly reproducing maps, diagrams & photographs.

[MartH]

By definition anything on the internet is not rare, and the contents and the availability has been discussed on another topic.

 

For the enthusiasts , biblio-fiends and in the interests of correct bibliographical reference, there  were two printings of the Official History of the Ministry of Munitions, the 1918/19 and the maybe revised 22/24 printing. I think the first printing was  originally printed and issued in separate parts, and some where bound up, and the second printing was printed ready bound, though I could be wrong.  I now have some comparative first and second printing and will check when I get time.  They, like the Allied Administration of the Blockade where started before the wars end because they where trying to preserve the lessons of Emergency War Departments before the department  where disbanded in peace time and the knowledge lost.

 

I think they actually started drafting it in 1917.

Edited 2 November , 2016 by MartH

[David Filsell]

"The 13 in this edition is rare, but more have survived than you think, and is even available on inter library loan in Germany, search the forum."

 

A late response but:

Well done the methodical former enemy. Good luck with getting much old stuff on inter library loan here (UK). From my experience the system is now exceedingly poor. Rare books are withheld by some libraries routinely (because they are rare) and  many of the these once great institutions have flogged off (cheaply) a very large amount of important work with the cry that they need more space ( not least for compact discs and DVD and they "with" finding a new role in a vibrant society). All total balls of course but ...

[Steven Broomfield]

Regarding the above and nothing to do with GW, when I was completing my Patrick Hamilton read-a-thon I was unable to find a copy of his first novel, Monday Morning, which seems never to have been reprinted since its first appearance in the early 20's. I tracked down a copy via inter-library loan (from Cambridge University Library, IIRC) but was not allowed to remove it from my local library in Hampshire. I ended up, therefore, speed-reading it on a Saturday morning along with all the children who, these days, seem to be encouraged to be as noisy and unpleasant as possible in a public library. Inclusiveness, I suppose, but the reason, I am sure, that I missed out on a Mastermind Final.

[MartH]

2 hours ago, David Filsell said:

"The 13 in this edition is rare, but more have survived than you think, and is even available on inter library loan in Germany, search the forum."

 

A late response but:

Well done the methodical former enemy. Good luck with getting much old stuff on inter library loan here (UK). From my experience the system is now exceedingly poor. Rare books are withheld by some libraries routinely (because they are rare) and  many of the these once great institutions have flogged off (cheaply) a very large amount of important work with the cry that they need more space ( not least for compact discs and DVD and they "with" finding a new role in a vibrant society). All total balls of course but ...

 

I now believe the IWM reference library is being sold off ......

[trajan]

7 minutes ago, MartH said:

 

I now believe the IWM reference library is being sold off ......

 

That is a pretty alarming statement! Gossip or what? The IWM is, I believe, a member of the Museums Association, and I am fairly certain - without checking - that a member would not be able to do such a thing without risking censure...

[Dust Jacket Collector]

We know for a fact there have been a recent series of auctions consisting almost entirely of IWM stock. Whether these are duplicates or not is hard to ascertain but some are so rare as to likely be their only copies. Surely there must be someone from the museum on this forum who could enlighten us as to their policy?

[MartH]

24 minutes ago, trajan said:

 

That is a pretty alarming statement! Gossip or what? The IWM is, I believe, a member of the Museums Association, and I am fairly certain - without checking - that a member would not be able to do such a thing without risking censure...

 

Well as already stated we know there are auctions of IWM stock, and I have obtained recently some books from a book dealer, that did not go through the auction route and were from the IWM Reference Library.  

[Dust Jacket Collector]

At this rate they'll probably get rid of everything and convert the Museum into a Premier Inn. Bags I the two big Naval Guns at the front!

[David Filsell]

I've expressed my view about the cavalier attitude of the IWM blockheads disposal of important stuff in the past. Sales at auction of books from its collection indicates the poverty of its management and vision. But what can be done about it?