Description
First edition of Olympia by Walter Hege and Gerhart Rodenwaldt, inscribed by Ilse Hess, the wife of Rudolf Hess.
Quarto, 61pp, [1], [1]-94. Text in German. Buckrum cloth, title stamped in gilt on spine. Light foxing to half title and rear endpaper, otherwise clean text. In the publisher’s English language dust jacket, light shelf wear, top fold flap, tape repairs to verso.
Inscribed on the front endpaper: “To our dear uncle Karl / for the 25th of April, 1936 / on May 25, 1936 (!!) / in the year of Olympia. Rudolf & Ilse Hess.”
A unique presentation copy from Ilse Hess, the wife of Rudolf Hess, who signs for her husband in the inscription. Rudolf Hes (1894-1987) served as Deputy Führer of the Nazi Party until his defection to England in 1941 to arrange peace talks with the Duke of Hamilton. He was arrested immediately and spent the rest of his life in prison.
