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The SS, Alibi of a Nation, 1922-1945
The SS, Alibi of a Nation, 1922-1945
Author: Gerald Reitlinger
Condition: Good
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Gerald Reitlinger's The SS, Alibi of a Nation, 1922–1945 traces the rise and workings of the Schutzstaffel as the administrative and ideological engine of Nazi terror, situating the SS within Germany’s government, military intelligence, field formations and the machinery of concentration and death camps. Reitlinger argues against the postwar notion of the SS as an aberrant cabal of lunatics, showing instead—through a close reading of the organization’s internal rivalries, bureaucratic procedures and deployment across occupied Europe—that its crimes were enabled by ordinary bureaucratic logic and loyal citizens carrying out state policy.
This rigorous institutional study (Prentice-Hall; ISBN 9780138399368) covers 1922–1945 and foregrounds primary German sources and interviews—including material from Himmler’s statistician—providing a detailed scholarly apparatus of notes and references. Classified as a historical and institutional history of Nazi Germany, the work serves as a compact, evidence-based account for readers interested in state terror, political policing, and debates over national responsibility.
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Keywords, content and topics in this Book
Keywords, content and topics in this Book
Bibliographic
Title: The SS, Alibi of a Nation, 1922–1945
Author: Gerald Reitlinger
Publisher: Prentice-Hall
Type of book
Historical study
Institutional history
Nazi Germany / Third Reich history
Analysis of SS as political and ideological instrument
Main focus
Schutzstaffel (SS)
Nazi Party organizations
State security and policing structures in Nazi Germany
Ideology and practice of the SS
Political responsibility and “alibi” narratives of postwar Germany
Scope and period
Interwar period 1922–1933
Nazi regime 1933–1945
Germany and German-occupied Europe in the Second World War
Geographical / Theater coverage
Germany (core focus)
Nations and political entities involved
Germany
Nazi regime / Third Reich
Axis powers (in context of SS deployment and occupation)
Occupied European states (as subjects of SS rule and policy)
SS branches and structures (where explicitly indicated)
Themes and subject keywords
Nazi Germany
Third Reich
SS (Schutzstaffel)
Paramilitary organizations (Germany)
State terror and repression
Political policing
Occupation policy in Europe
War crimes and responsibility (within SS structures)
Ideology and indoctrination in the SS
Postwar justification and denial (“alibi of a nation” concept)
Holocaust and persecution (only where clearly indicated)
Visual and reference apparatus
Scholarly apparatus (notes, references – inferred from description of detailed study, but explicit mention of bibliography only is used here)
Classification / catalog tags
World War II – Europe – German perspective
World War II – political and ideological history
Germany – history – 1918–1945
National Socialism
SS (Nazi Party organization) – history
War and society – Germany
Collaboration and complicity (German population and SS)
Postwar memory and responsibility debates
Book Condition: Good
Book Condition: Good
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Flawless and untested. This book is in pristine, new condition and ready for its first assignment.
Like New: Light Combat Experience
Almost new and in great shape. It has clearly been read before and is ready to fight again, but it shows very little wear from its time in the field.
Good: A Few Scars or Shell Shock
A reliable veteran. The book might have some bent corners or a dust cover with a few scratches, but it’s still sturdy and standing tall.
Fair: Battle-Hardened
Visible signs of a long campaign. Expect some stains, bent pages, and perhaps some minor tears on the cover. It’s seen the trenches, but the intel inside is still solid.
Poor: Survived Iwo Jima
This one has been through the meat grinder. It carries noticeable damage, heavy staining, or significant wear—but like any old soldier, it would love to be read one last time before it retires.
