Herman Göring: Werk und Mensch by Eric Gritzbach-This is the original 1938 hardcover German version of this authorized biography. This book was written and published with Göring 's direct permission by his personal assistant, chief of staff and SS Senior Leader ("Oberführer") Erich Gritzbach. This work covers Göring 's early life, education, and personal life and habits, before moving on to his combat history during World War I-where he served as deputy commander of the German air force's famous "Flying Circus" air unit under the "Red Baron" Manfred von Richthoven. Upon the latter's death, Göring took command of that unit. It then moves on to describe his first meeting with Adolf Hitler, his conversion to National Socialism, and his role as leader of the very first Sturmabteilung (SA or better known as the "brownshirts"), his election to the Reichstag for the NSDAP and his role in the coming to power of that party. The story follows his appointment as Prime Minister of Prussia-where he introduced the world's first anti-vivisection and anti-cruelty to animals’ law. His hobby of hunting is also discussed, along with his measures to protect wildlife in Germany. Next, Göring 's appointment as German minister of the interior is discussed, a role in which he founded the Geheime Staatspolizei ("Secret State Police," or "Gestapo") to root out communists (before that organization was handed over to the control of the SS). Then the reader is told how, as Air Minister and chief of the Luftwaffe-the role for which he is best-known-Göring rebuilt the German air force and laid the basis for the passenger airline service today still known as Lufthansa, a model on which all the world's airlines were built thereafter. Finally, his work in international diplomacy, and his personal hobbies are discussed, all to round off a history of the man who was to become Hitler's deputy. This hardcover retains its dustcover, though there are two small holes just above Göring’s head. Other than this, it is in very good condition, not faded with strong colors. There is some slight shelf folding. The inside cover is stamped with a purple stamp that reads “Purchased at USPS Auction” but other than this the book itself is very clean and damage free. It is dated 1937 with a copyright of 1938, and contains 345 pages. This is very collectible.