Lot 660

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Description:

ALBERT SPEER (1905-1981) Nazi German architect and Minister of Armaments and War Production, convicted of war crimes at Nuremburg. A superb Speer grouping, a series of audio interviews, transcripts, and books purchased from the estate of Jorg-Michael Schiefer (b. 1944) an author and former student at the University of Gottingen who wrote his dissertation on technocracy using Speer' role in the Third Reich as an example. Technocracy is a form of government in which the decision makers are selected on the basis of their expertise in a given area of responsibility, particularly with regard to scientific or technical knowledge. Since Speer rose through the ranks of the Nazi Party by earning Hitler's favor as an esteemed architect, he serves as an interesting example. Included is a small MP3 memory stick containing a series of recorded conversations between Schiefer and Speer, approx. 6 hours in total, two lengthy transcripts of the recorded interviews that feature hand written corrections by Speer, and letters of transmittal from Speer's secretary. Notable excerpts from the transcripts in part: '...Q: Did yours and Hitler's architectural conception agree from the start?...A: Actually less, as can be assumed...Hitler was interested in me...because I was already at him with his architectural ideas...I guess I made an impression on him that I can't describe...Q: How did the step from small town craftsmanship to megalomania happen?...A: That's only understandable if you look at the world before, the very modest one it was. In contrast to the world that Hitler created which was so political and according to the sociological structure of people...there was a completely different ambiance, a different climate than before. And I believe that the architect in any form automatically and instinctively realizes that other climate...Q: Why did you become Todt's successor? Was there a certain relationship from artist to artist or from architect to architect?...A: This is of course a very hypothetical thing. What I think for him...[he] stressed his organizational performance at the Reich Chancellery, which then also was really something extraordinary...but beyond that, he wanted any man who had his confidence, and he must have known that Goering very much was keen to get back into his four year plan...' Lastly accompanying the group are two books, first Schiefer's personal copy of Albert Speer's 'Erinnerungen', (Berlin: Verlag Ullstein), 1970, approx. 610pp. 8vo., his personal memoirs, inscribed by Speer on the front fly leaf to Schiefer with the date October 30, 1971. Interestingly, the book is littered with handwritten notes and page markers bringing attention to certain sections. The other is Schiefer's dissertation 'Architekt Generalbauinspektor und Rustungsminister gesprache Albert Speer 1971-1975' ('Architect, Building Inspector, and Defense Minister, conversations with Albert Speer'), (Gottingen: Verlag Matric Media), 150pp. 8vo., 2013. Conditions vary, all recordings not inspected, transcripts are moderately toned with foxing and stains, books have moderate wear to dust jackets. A fascinating grouping worth of further research.

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April 5, 2022 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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