Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“"Invites an original and stimulating take on the violence perpetrated by the Nazis."” (Liberation)
About the Author
Phoebe Green is a writer and translator living in Paris, France.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally Written Study, Historical Perspective that perpetuates Extremes in War
There are few books that can equal the depth of research information and manner that the author is able to present it!!!!!!!The author presents the broad spectrum of events, Historical,Political,Economic, Military, in Europe that created the circumstances that then led to the organization of this gang of military cowards, criminals, convicts that then was allowed to commit such acts of terror, torture, and indiscriminate killing.The atrocities committed are described , in the sweeping Historical Context and Perspective that is unmatched by any other author.In this Grand Study, the author explains events , advancements, in War, from Russo-Japan War, WW 1, and the social economic extremes until outbreak of WW2.The author pieces together chronologically thru extensive EFFORT, scattered reports , records, and any other information, into a complete study the evolving process of the War from the differing Military, Political Economic and Personalities aspects , the author manages to combine these differing factors together , from Historical overview down to tactics involved in precise detail.The First Section of the book covers the Operations the Dirlewanger Brigade participated in, Section 4 covers tactics of the Brigade in Warsaw, usually tank supported , without any special weapons such as robot tanks or what the Germans called Goliaths.The Brigades last actions, from Divisional Reports , are recounted, at Ipolysag, and finally near Berlin in the Halbe Pocket where most of the Brigade was wiped out, The Ipolysag episode , was the Brigades Combat Debut taking place 50 miles N of Budapest in December 1944. The events do not appear in any detail in other Eastern Front accounts, and is just one example of the detailed information the author takes the time to include and explain. Ipolysag or Sahy on the Ipel River is located 50 miles N or Budapest , in Slovakia, the terrain described as hilly , valleys , forested, rivers and canals ,was a KEY Strategic position during the battle to surround Budapest. The Soviet 6th Guards Army took Ipolysag after Dirlewanger , who could not control the military rejects under his command disappeared, and the Battalion ordered to hold the area sent one company placed in a skirmish line that did not stop the RussiansThe study revolves around the course of History and Historical events , and how those events combined into a War of extremes of criminal acts of killing that continued to escalate into organization of such Brigades.
4.0 out of 5 stars An Intense Study of Evil
This is the third book that I have read on Oskar Dirlewanger and perhaps the most through in attempting to look into his mind. The research into his academic background and activities prior to the WWII show he was very active in the early days of the Nazis rise to power, and this is something not well documented in prior writings. And in this regard the book is extremely effective in showing the progression from political theory to State sanctioned violence. The Direwanger Brigade was an SS Unit of misfits who otherwise would not meet the standards of elitism and arrogance that were characteristic of the SS. Yet the Dirlewanger Brigade represented the SS better than any other Unit in their mechanical execution of mission which was simply to exterminate perceived enemies of the Reich, be they political or racial.The barbaric conduct of these beasts defies comprehension, and at times clearly so brutal as to make other SS Units and Regular German troops uncomfortable! My only complaints center on the lack of photos, and the brevity of the book. The end was sudden and did not give enough detail. The lack of photos denied those who have never seen a photo of Dirlewanger an opportunity to stare into a photo of the devil, because he was Satan personified. And reminds me of political operatives I have met and seen in contemporary American politics.
3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting theory
The author of this work has a compelling theory applicable to the origins and original functions and behavior of this unique military unit, i.e. the 'cynegetic' concept of hunters tracking down man-game of Soviet partisans and bandits whilst subscribing to, and perpetuating, the romance of the 'wild man' hunter ethos on the remote frontiers of the Third Reich's eastern empire, coupled with the related theory of the 'herding' of human 'livestock' and its exploitation. Up until this unit's employment in combating the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in late 1944 it may have held true to some extent. At any rate, a great deal of space and reiteration is devoted in this work to this concept while a mere single brief chapter is applied to the unit's actual history.Or put another way, this slim volume is not so much a work of history, as it is primarily a kind of philosophical commentary.The biographical information on SS-General Oskar Dirlewanger is more ample than I have seen in other works - e.g. McLean's book 'The Cruel Hunters' - and the author had even studied, and comments on, Dr. Dirlewanger's doctoral thesis and its intented purpose.It is to the author's credit that in spite of his general hostility towards National Socialism and the SS, he did confirm that Dirlewanger's convictions were overturned and his honor and titles restored. He also makes very clear that Dirlewanger was an outstanding leader of men and possessed of an unflinching courage as he 'led from the front' at all times.I am disappointed that Ingrao seems to accept at face value the Soviet 'investigations' into the activities of this brigade or division, and accepts uncritically the testimonies and findings therein. This would include most of the accounts of women being gang-raped and whipped by SS men, or those unfit for work being herded into barns and burned alive. These really sound more like accounts drawn from 1960s salacious men's magazines e.g. 'Argosy' or 'Saga' et al. He fails to understand that these 'investigations' were propaganda exercises and had their own pre-determined results and are therefore generally unreliable.Ingrao also is condemnatory in surveying the 'crimes' or 'abuses' of this unit, whilst treating the similar crimes of the Red Army and of partisans as 'rumor' or otherwise as unimportant as a contextual matter.His theory of the Great War - World War One - being a consequence of the violation of a mythical hunting taboo in the Tyrol was entertaining! even if not intended as such.It would have been nice for this volume to have had images, maps, and a guide to acronyms in the text, but alas these are sorely lacking.Overall I give three stars for the unique cynegetic theory and its well-written presentation, and for the personal details provided on Dr. Dirlewanger.
Anthropology of Violence
If you are interested in military aspects, this book is not very helpful. It is great however, if you are interested in anthropology and psychology. It deals with the reasons behind the violence, how the unit saw itself, how others saw it, and how this Brigade developed its peculiar “ personality”. It is a good work, trying to establish a relationship between war and hunting. Good perspective on violence.
The History of the Black Hunters
Gruesome, but necessary read.
A fresh look at an old evil
There are some really engaging concepts in this book, a new exploration of an old theme. The inherent drive within humans to hunt and to be hunted appears in this most unobvious phase of history. Very good insights.
A truly evil man yet fascinating.
Not an easy subject to find reading matter on, this man and his actions are so reviled it is almost taboo just to say his name.Child sex pervert, ex convict, utterly cruel and heartless, Oscar Dirlewanger is like very few others in the nazi ranks, even in the highest ranks of the SS this man caused horror and revulsion at his methods, even to people such as Reinhard Heidrich who is widely regarded as the most dangerous and evil nazi out of the entire bunch, named The Man With The Iron Heart by Hitler and remebered as The Butcher of Prague, the mere idea that the man who came up with The Final Solution could be horrified at the actions of another man alone speaks volumes of Dirlewangers methods.Killing became a pure competition to see who can kill the most unarmed civilians in a day and the numbers he attained is simply mind numbing.I know we should never judge a book by its cover (yes pun intended) but look at Dirlewangers face, look into those eyes and tell me that is not the face of a total creep!Anyone such as myself who has researched WW2 in the depths I have over 30 plus years, understands that despite their atrocious label, not all members of the SS were as brutal and evil as many believe, not to defend the actions of the SS of course, I am not a neo-nazi, just a guy interested in military history.Some of the worst war crimes committed by the Germans were at the hands of SS regiments such as Das Reich (Oradour), Leibstandarte (Wormhout) and of course the utterly evil Totenkopf who ran the camps but I would bet that the vast majority of the hideous things people think of when hearing of the Schutz Staffel was actually undertaken by Oscar Dirlewanger and his Black Hunters.Feared like no other Einsatzgruppen in the Eastern Front this man met a horrible but deserved fate yet sadly cheated the hangman.I know its a cliche but this guy was literally Satan in the flesh, it is genuinely hard to comprehend the mind of a man who can do what he did yet sleep like an innocent baby at night.Some hard reading for many but for those with a deeper interest in the actions of the SS and particularly the Einsatzgruppen this book is a must.Very highly recommended.
Mixed bag.
Christian Ingrao is an historian who knows his field of study. He has my utmost respect as I know other work he did that was quite on point.This book that he wrote however is more about the relation hunter/prey that this group of former poachers had toward their victims. The book doesn't explore a lot of details but constantly hammers this theory, that this group of killer was driven in the same way they were driven when hunting. This theory isn't necessary wrong but the book doesn't explore much else.If that theory about the motivations and behavior of this band of criminals interests you, it might fall more in your alley than it did with me.
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The SS Dirlewanger Brigade: The History of the Black Hunters
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Visit the Skyhorse Store
The SS Dirlewanger Brigade: The History of the Black Hunters
AED8396
Quantity:
Order today to get by 7-14 business days
Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.
Imported From: United States
At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.
BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.
Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.
If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.
Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.
All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.
While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.
Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.
BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.
All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.
All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.
Description:
Editorial Reviews
Review
“"Invites an original and stimulating take on the violence perpetrated by the Nazis."” (Liberation)
About the Author
Phoebe Green is a writer and translator living in Paris, France.
Reviews:
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptionally Written Study, Historical Perspective that perpetuates Extremes in War
There are few books that can equal the depth of research information and manner that the author is able to present it!!!!!!!The author presents the broad spectrum of events, Historical,Political,Economic, Military, in Europe that created the circumstances that then led to the organization of this gang of military cowards, criminals, convicts that then was allowed to commit such acts of terror, torture, and indiscriminate killing.The atrocities committed are described , in the sweeping Historical Context and Perspective that is unmatched by any other author.In this Grand Study, the author explains events , advancements, in War, from Russo-Japan War, WW 1, and the social economic extremes until outbreak of WW2.The author pieces together chronologically thru extensive EFFORT, scattered reports , records, and any other information, into a complete study the evolving process of the War from the differing Military, Political Economic and Personalities aspects , the author manages to combine these differing factors together , from Historical overview down to tactics involved in precise detail.The First Section of the book covers the Operations the Dirlewanger Brigade participated in, Section 4 covers tactics of the Brigade in Warsaw, usually tank supported , without any special weapons such as robot tanks or what the Germans called Goliaths.The Brigades last actions, from Divisional Reports , are recounted, at Ipolysag, and finally near Berlin in the Halbe Pocket where most of the Brigade was wiped out, The Ipolysag episode , was the Brigades Combat Debut taking place 50 miles N of Budapest in December 1944. The events do not appear in any detail in other Eastern Front accounts, and is just one example of the detailed information the author takes the time to include and explain. Ipolysag or Sahy on the Ipel River is located 50 miles N or Budapest , in Slovakia, the terrain described as hilly , valleys , forested, rivers and canals ,was a KEY Strategic position during the battle to surround Budapest. The Soviet 6th Guards Army took Ipolysag after Dirlewanger , who could not control the military rejects under his command disappeared, and the Battalion ordered to hold the area sent one company placed in a skirmish line that did not stop the RussiansThe study revolves around the course of History and Historical events , and how those events combined into a War of extremes of criminal acts of killing that continued to escalate into organization of such Brigades.
4.0 out of 5 stars An Intense Study of Evil
This is the third book that I have read on Oskar Dirlewanger and perhaps the most through in attempting to look into his mind. The research into his academic background and activities prior to the WWII show he was very active in the early days of the Nazis rise to power, and this is something not well documented in prior writings. And in this regard the book is extremely effective in showing the progression from political theory to State sanctioned violence. The Direwanger Brigade was an SS Unit of misfits who otherwise would not meet the standards of elitism and arrogance that were characteristic of the SS. Yet the Dirlewanger Brigade represented the SS better than any other Unit in their mechanical execution of mission which was simply to exterminate perceived enemies of the Reich, be they political or racial.The barbaric conduct of these beasts defies comprehension, and at times clearly so brutal as to make other SS Units and Regular German troops uncomfortable! My only complaints center on the lack of photos, and the brevity of the book. The end was sudden and did not give enough detail. The lack of photos denied those who have never seen a photo of Dirlewanger an opportunity to stare into a photo of the devil, because he was Satan personified. And reminds me of political operatives I have met and seen in contemporary American politics.
3.0 out of 5 stars An interesting theory
The author of this work has a compelling theory applicable to the origins and original functions and behavior of this unique military unit, i.e. the 'cynegetic' concept of hunters tracking down man-game of Soviet partisans and bandits whilst subscribing to, and perpetuating, the romance of the 'wild man' hunter ethos on the remote frontiers of the Third Reich's eastern empire, coupled with the related theory of the 'herding' of human 'livestock' and its exploitation. Up until this unit's employment in combating the Warsaw Ghetto uprising in late 1944 it may have held true to some extent. At any rate, a great deal of space and reiteration is devoted in this work to this concept while a mere single brief chapter is applied to the unit's actual history.Or put another way, this slim volume is not so much a work of history, as it is primarily a kind of philosophical commentary.The biographical information on SS-General Oskar Dirlewanger is more ample than I have seen in other works - e.g. McLean's book 'The Cruel Hunters' - and the author had even studied, and comments on, Dr. Dirlewanger's doctoral thesis and its intented purpose.It is to the author's credit that in spite of his general hostility towards National Socialism and the SS, he did confirm that Dirlewanger's convictions were overturned and his honor and titles restored. He also makes very clear that Dirlewanger was an outstanding leader of men and possessed of an unflinching courage as he 'led from the front' at all times.I am disappointed that Ingrao seems to accept at face value the Soviet 'investigations' into the activities of this brigade or division, and accepts uncritically the testimonies and findings therein. This would include most of the accounts of women being gang-raped and whipped by SS men, or those unfit for work being herded into barns and burned alive. These really sound more like accounts drawn from 1960s salacious men's magazines e.g. 'Argosy' or 'Saga' et al. He fails to understand that these 'investigations' were propaganda exercises and had their own pre-determined results and are therefore generally unreliable.Ingrao also is condemnatory in surveying the 'crimes' or 'abuses' of this unit, whilst treating the similar crimes of the Red Army and of partisans as 'rumor' or otherwise as unimportant as a contextual matter.His theory of the Great War - World War One - being a consequence of the violation of a mythical hunting taboo in the Tyrol was entertaining! even if not intended as such.It would have been nice for this volume to have had images, maps, and a guide to acronyms in the text, but alas these are sorely lacking.Overall I give three stars for the unique cynegetic theory and its well-written presentation, and for the personal details provided on Dr. Dirlewanger.
Anthropology of Violence
If you are interested in military aspects, this book is not very helpful. It is great however, if you are interested in anthropology and psychology. It deals with the reasons behind the violence, how the unit saw itself, how others saw it, and how this Brigade developed its peculiar “ personality”. It is a good work, trying to establish a relationship between war and hunting. Good perspective on violence.
The History of the Black Hunters
Gruesome, but necessary read.
A fresh look at an old evil
There are some really engaging concepts in this book, a new exploration of an old theme. The inherent drive within humans to hunt and to be hunted appears in this most unobvious phase of history. Very good insights.
A truly evil man yet fascinating.
Not an easy subject to find reading matter on, this man and his actions are so reviled it is almost taboo just to say his name.Child sex pervert, ex convict, utterly cruel and heartless, Oscar Dirlewanger is like very few others in the nazi ranks, even in the highest ranks of the SS this man caused horror and revulsion at his methods, even to people such as Reinhard Heidrich who is widely regarded as the most dangerous and evil nazi out of the entire bunch, named The Man With The Iron Heart by Hitler and remebered as The Butcher of Prague, the mere idea that the man who came up with The Final Solution could be horrified at the actions of another man alone speaks volumes of Dirlewangers methods.Killing became a pure competition to see who can kill the most unarmed civilians in a day and the numbers he attained is simply mind numbing.I know we should never judge a book by its cover (yes pun intended) but look at Dirlewangers face, look into those eyes and tell me that is not the face of a total creep!Anyone such as myself who has researched WW2 in the depths I have over 30 plus years, understands that despite their atrocious label, not all members of the SS were as brutal and evil as many believe, not to defend the actions of the SS of course, I am not a neo-nazi, just a guy interested in military history.Some of the worst war crimes committed by the Germans were at the hands of SS regiments such as Das Reich (Oradour), Leibstandarte (Wormhout) and of course the utterly evil Totenkopf who ran the camps but I would bet that the vast majority of the hideous things people think of when hearing of the Schutz Staffel was actually undertaken by Oscar Dirlewanger and his Black Hunters.Feared like no other Einsatzgruppen in the Eastern Front this man met a horrible but deserved fate yet sadly cheated the hangman.I know its a cliche but this guy was literally Satan in the flesh, it is genuinely hard to comprehend the mind of a man who can do what he did yet sleep like an innocent baby at night.Some hard reading for many but for those with a deeper interest in the actions of the SS and particularly the Einsatzgruppen this book is a must.Very highly recommended.
Mixed bag.
Christian Ingrao is an historian who knows his field of study. He has my utmost respect as I know other work he did that was quite on point.This book that he wrote however is more about the relation hunter/prey that this group of former poachers had toward their victims. The book doesn't explore a lot of details but constantly hammers this theory, that this group of killer was driven in the same way they were driven when hunting. This theory isn't necessary wrong but the book doesn't explore much else.If that theory about the motivations and behavior of this band of criminals interests you, it might fall more in your alley than it did with me.
Similar suggestions by Bolo
More from this brand
Similar items from “Germany”
Share with
Or share with link
https://www.bolo.ae/products/U1620876310