Adolf Hitler Mein Kampf Monumental Edition in Parchment from the Estate of Prince Colonna, Proconsul of Rome.
The cover features a gold embossed national eagle and the title "Mein KAMPF" in raised embossing. The back is richly gold embossed with triangular gold edging. Marked to the publisher Franz Eher Verlag München and features 351 Pages.
The front page features a personal dedication by Reich Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, Dr. Joseph Goebbels: "S. E. Principe Don Piero Colonna in sincere solidarity". With original signature of Dr. Goebbels and dated 8 May 1938.
The interior cover features the large Ex-Libris of Prince Colonna. Included is a handwritten confirmation letter from Prince Oddone Colonna in June 1991 that this exact example was a gift from Adolf Hitler to his grandfather, Don Piero Colonna, then proconsul of the city of Rome.
The book was presented to Prince Colonna on the occasion of Adolf Hitler's state visit to Italy 3 - 9 May 1938.
Colonna was the only one among the members of the Roman nobility who clearly professed Italian fascism. As governor of the city of Rome, he held an important position in domestic politics.
The family of Prince Colonna belongs to the oldest and most respected Roman noble families. They trace their pedigree back to the Roman Emperor Marc Aurel (162 - 180 AD). The ancient column in there Palazzo is the Emblem from their coat of arms.
It may be surprising at first, that Hitler did not himself write a dedication to the prince in this monumental edition.
Adolf Hitler, however, had certain personal reservations about this family, which appear in his biography, although they were not directed against Piero Colonna personally.
The Colonna, along with Prince Orsini, are among the most vile villains in Richard Wagner's opera Rienzi.
The Wagnerian early work is about the Tribune Cola di Rienzi, who wants to assert the rights of the Roman people against the degenerating aristocratic rule in medieval Rome. His attempt to return Rome to ancient greatness fails because of the rascality of the Roman nobility.
This opera exerted an almost magical fascination on the young Hitler during his Viennese years. From the standing parquet of the Vienna State Opera he probably saw the opera a few dozen times in the legendary production of Alfred Rollers with Mahler as conductor. The rapturous stage sets of roller, bathed in atmospheric light, and the Mahlerian thunderstorms contributed to Adolf Hitler's personal development and is not to be underestimated. The theme of the opera is almost a reflection of his own path in life, Rienzi as a prefiguration of the future leader.
According to a letter from Reichsleiter Max Amann to Prof. Gerdy Troost dated 6 August 1940, only 100 copies of the monumental magnificent edition of the book "Mein Kampf" were produced, which were not for sale by the publishing house.
They were only presented to particularly important personalities at the direct request of Adolf Hitler on special occasions.
The specimen offered at auction, impresses with its interesting historical context and its assured provenance.
To my knowledge, it is the only known copy with a Goebbels dedication that exists. Copies with dedications by Adolf Hitler are not known.
Important historical object of great interest for the further research of the character of the Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler. Very attractive museum worthy specimen.
Measures 52,5 x 40 cm. The book locks are missing.
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