Nein, Onkel

Jones, Ed; Timothy Prus (eds.). Nein, Onkel. London: Archive of Modern Conflict, 2007. First edition. Oblong Quarto. 236pp. Original textured beige cloth with blue stamped lettering on cover and spine. Unusual book featuring photographs taken by German soldiers, offering a different view of W.W.II. “Nein, Onkel: Snapshots From Another Front 1938–1945 is a photographic survey of a different, rarely glimpsed side of life in the Nazi Third Reich. It contains reproductions of 347 previously unpublished snapshots – 308 in b/w, 39 in color – portraying the fun-loving, sexually incongruous and work-shy elements of the German military machine, and challenging the accepted view of evil men in jackboots. Selected from the extensive collections at the Archive of Modern Conflict, these highly personal photographs come from private albums compiled by ordinary soldiers caught up in the conflagration of World War II. They record not the bloody battles, but the fun snatched by those who would rather be enjoying 40 winks, a spot of country dancing or a roll in the hay than fighting” (publisher). The title was listed in Martin Parr’s Best Books of the Decade and was the winner of the 2008 Arles Historical Book Award. New in publishers shrink wrap. New in publisher’s shrink wrap. Hardcover. (38113) $70