Description:

GERMAN NATURIST PUBLICATION 'SPIRIT AND BEAUTY', 8 VOLS.
German naturalist/nudist publications 'Geist und Schonheit' ('Spirit and Beauty'), by Wilm Burghardt (Dresden: Verlag' Geist und Schonheit'), 1940. The complete set of eight volumes of this rare nudist cultural publication, each volume illustrated with photographic plates. Fine condition. The naturism movement in Germany saw nudity as serving the objectives of 'racial hygiene' and eugenics. During the National Socialist Gleichschaltung era, naturism both benefited from official recognition and sponsorship for its health benefits, and was persecuted as officials argued over the concept of Nacktkultur. In March 1933, Prussian Minister of the Interior Hermann Goring passed laws limiting mixed sex nudism, as a reaction to what he regarded as the increasing immorality of the Weimar state. In January 1934, Wilhelm Frick passed edicts restricting naturism due to fears that it was a breeding ground for Marxists and homosexuals. Frick's ban lasted one month. Within a year nudism was being practiced with full state support again. Supporters including even SS leaders. Nevertheless, all naturism clubs had to register with Kraft durch Freude, which meant excluding Jews and Communists. Also, they had to keep all activities well out in the countryside so there would be virtually no chance of being seen by others.

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August 24, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
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