Germany, Third Reich. A Copy Of Ich Kampfe, From Arthur Seyß-Inquart’s Personal Library, C. 1943

Ich Kampfe, dated 30 January 1943, the cover is of cream coloured paper with “Ich Kampfe” in black ink, above is a national eagle with outstretched wings clutching a wreathed mobile swastika in its talons, encompassed by a tan border with embossed cream oak leaves, the interior cover retains a label bearing an inscription of “UNSER BUCH, ARTHUR UND GERTRUD SEYß-INQUART” (“OUR BOOK, ARTHUR AND GERTRUD SEYß-INQUART”) indicating that the book was retrieved from the personal library of SS-Obergruppenführer Arthur Seyß-Inquart, the interior bears coloured and black and white photographs sections written by different paramilitary leaders and sections on various groups, the first page is stamped and signed, scuffing, discolouration and creasing throughout, measuring 215 mm (w) x 241 mm (h), very fine. Footnote: Arthur Seyß-Inquart was born on July 22, 1892 in the village of Stannern (present-day Stonařov, southern Czech Republic) near the town of Iglau (Jihlava). This was a German speaking community within a Czech dominated area in Moravia, at the time part of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The family moved to Vienna in 1907. Seyß-Inquart began to study law at the university of Vienna, and earned his degree during the First War in 1917 while recovering from being wounded. As a soldier in the Austro-Hungarian army he saw action in Russia, Romania, and Italy. He received several bravery decorations and at the end of the war held the rank of Oberleutnant (first lieutenant). After the war, Seyß-Inquart developed close ties with several right wing and fascist organisations, among them the Vaterländische Front (Fatherland Front). He became a successful lawyer and had his own practice since 1921. In 1933, Seyß-Inquart went into Austrian politics and joined the cabinet of chancellor Engelbert Dollfuß. Through growing influence and support by non other than A.H. himself, Seyß-Inquart eventually became Austrian Minister of the Interior in February of 1938. With the looming annexation of Austria by Germany in March of the same year, Austrian chancellor Schuschnigg stepped down. Seyß-Inquart was chosen as his successor due to immense pressure applied on the Austrian government by the NSDAP.