Out of the numerous books and articles on the Third Reich, few address
its material culture, and fewer still discuss the phenomenon of Nazi
memorabilia. This is all the more surprising given that Nazi symbols,
so central to sustaining Hitler’s movement, continue to live long
after the collapse of his 12-year Reich. Neither did Nazi ideology
die; far-right populists would like to see the swastika flown over the
White House or Buckingham Palace. Against a backdrop of right-wing
extremism, military re-enactors think nothing of dressing up in
Waffen-SS uniforms and romanticising the Third Reich in the name of
living history. Auctioneers are prepared to hammer down Nazi artefacts
to the highest bidder, but who is buying them, and why do they do so?
Should collectors be allowed to decorate their homes with Nazi flags?
The Anarchy of Nazi Memorabilia begins by examining the creation and
context of Nazi artefacts and symbols during the volatile Weimar
Republic to their wider distribution during the Third Reich. There
were few people in Nazi Germany who did not wear a badge or uniform of
some sort. Whether it be mothers, soldiers or concentration camp
inmates, they were all branded. The chapter on the Second World War
demonstrates that although German soldiers were cynical about being
given medals in exchange for freezing in Russia. They still continued
to fight, for which more decorations were awarded. A large proportion
of this book is therefore given to the meaning that Nazi symbols had
before Nazi Germany was eventually defeated in May 1945. Equally
important, however, and one of the characteristics of this book, is
the analysis of the meaning and value of Nazi material culture over
time. The interpreters of Nazi symbols that this book focuses on are
internationally based private collectors and traders. Sustained
attention is given in a chapter outlining the development of the
collectors’ market for Nazi memorabilia from 1945 onwards. No matter
how much collectors go out of their way to paint the hobby in a
positive light, their activities do not fully escape the troubled past
of the material that they desire. So contested are Nazi symbols that
another chapter is devoted to the ethics and morals of destroying or
preserving them. The issues surrounding private versus public custody
and ownership of Nazi artefacts are also discussed. So far, in this
book, the examination of Nazi artefacts has been restricted to
physical objects within societies that are generally aware of the
consequences of Hitlerism. As we increasingly move into the digital
age, however, and there are few survivors of the Second World War left
to relay their horrific experiences, the final chapter contemplates
the future of Nazi symbols both digitally and physically, fake or
real. This book will appeal to all those interested in the Third
Reich, Nazi ideology, Neo-Nazism, perceptions of the Nazis post-1945,
modern European history and political symbolism. It will also hold
particular appeal to those interested in the collecting and trading of
contested and highly emotive artefacts. It considers aesthetics,
authenticity, commodification, gift exchange, life histories of people
and objects, materiality and value theory.
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From Things of Tyranny to Troubled Treasure
Produktdetaljer
ISBN
9781000531923
Publisert
2021
Utgave
1. utgave
Utgiver
Taylor & Francis
Språk
Product language
Engelsk
Format
Product format
Digital bok
Forfatter