JACKBOOT: THE STORY OF THE GERMAN SOLDIER, 1713-1945.

New York: Barnes & Noble, 1995. 238 pp, 8vo (8 1/4" H). B&w illustrations. "(T)races the background and influences that shaped the character of the German soldier from the time of Frederick the Great to the end of the Second World War. Laffin provides an illuminating account of the attitude of the individual soldier to the increasing militarism of the years before the First World War. Included here are extracts from letters written by young German soldiers who, in spite of the mud and carnage, regarded the war as a sacred mission that would bring honor and glory to their country. After Germany's defeat the Treaty of Versailles came as a blow to German pride and helped pave the way to the Second World War. Psychology now played a role in the German soldier's training, and emphasis was given to individual initiative - a concept wholly contrary to the old training that required strict obedience. But such preparation was no match for the Russian winter of 1942, and Laffin's graphic account of that ill-fated campaign, culminating in the defeat at Stalingrad, pays tribute to German tenacity and resourcefulness." Faint erased pencil mark on front free endpaper, minor wrinkling at bottom of spine. Dust jacket has minor rubbing and small wrinkle at bottom of spine.. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.