Berlin. Reichsbahuzentrale fur den Deutschen Reiseverkehr. 1936-1937.
FOUR BOOKLETS: black and white photo illustrations, each has color folding map at rear, 104, 96, 96, 96pp, 9 x 8 inches, color pictorial paper wrappers. Light edge wear, creases to Southern Germany cover, generally good to very good condition. Southern Germany and Northern Germany booklets are Second Editions dated 1937. Text in English. The four booklets, profusely illustrated with black and white photographs, attempt to describe to American tourists the distinctive features of four areas of Germany and the particular attractions offered by each. A map present on either page 1 or page 2 of the booklets defines the areas treated in each of the volumes, while a summary paragraph in Western Germany provides an overview of three of the regions given focus in these booklets: "Compared with the advantages of Southern Germany with the imposing size of its mountains, and the North, with the unbroken strength of its natural features and the eternal beauty of its seas, the West offers the charming romanticism of the Rhine and the virgin austerity of many of the mountain ranges of medium altitude, while the songs they are so fond of singing in the ancient towns among the vineyards contrast with the serious heavy work in the Ruhr District, the largest workshop in Germany." The booklet Central Germany offers its own overview in tones decidedly defensive: "Those who have seen the towns of Central Germany, the cathedrals, churches and monasteries, the castles and strongholds, town halls and burghers' houses, know that the Germans are not 'barbarians', for a nation can never disavow its past. And those who have seen the industrial works of the present day, the marvelous technical structures, the model settlements and motor highways, recognize what Germany is and what it wants, namely, to work and be happy." The booklets focus on the scenic, cultural and gastronomical attractions of Germany; very little focus is given to politics and the centrality of Hitler's government in the life of the country. On the verso of the front cover of Central Germany is a notice: "XIth Olympic Games Berlin 1936." The booklets were clearly intended to promote travel within the country drawn from the crowds that would attend the Olympic games. Very good condition. Item #49150

Price: $137.00