The Black Angels: A History of the Waffen-SS by Rupert Butler-This hardcover book is a comprehensive military history book that chronicles the origin, evolution, and combat operations of Germany's elite paramilitary wing, the Waffen-SS. This is a first printing, and was published in 1979 by St. Martin’s publishing. The book explores the complex and controversial dual identity of this force: a highly effective combat elite on one hand, and fanatical perpetrators of brutal war crimes on the other. The book is highly detailed and accessible, though some modern historians point out that it may struggle to fully untangle the battlefield myth of the Waffen-SS from the broader, systematic horrors of the general SS infrastructure. The dust cover shows edge wear and some tattering. The book itself is in good condition. There is a previous owners name on the inside cover, as well as the date 1983. Otherwise this book is clean. There are approx. 21 black and white photos in this book. It is in good condition.