FS: Very rare inscribed book

[Bill Robie]

This is indeed a unique piece of soaring history. It is a copy of
Georg Brutting's "Segelflug erobert die Welt" published in Germany,
1944, by Knorr & Hirth of Munchen. In addition to being a fine work
about the pioneers of soaring flight, this particular copy was the
personal property of Wolf Hirth, who is featured prominently throughout
its pages.

I state that it is "unique" because the original (paper?) cover has been
removed and the book later was re-bound in light canvas and thin aviation
grade plywood. The front cover is now decorated with an original
oil painting of a sailplane, flying at sunset, with a mountain (Wasserkuppe?)
in the background. The painting is signed, "Wolf Hirth 1948". The
flyleaf is inscribed and autographed by Hirth to an American military
officer that he met in Stuttgart in 1952.

The book is liberally illustrated with 100+ B&W photos of German and
international soaring pioneers and aircraft, as well as pre-war soaring
events where Hirth and others competed. Elmira, SSA, and American
luminaries such as Eaton and Barringer are mentioned favorably in this
wartime publication, which also includes nationalistic photos of German
luminaries such as Udet and Hanna Reitsch, as well as a group of German
youth corps (in uniform, with flags). Aircraft shown range from primaries
to Minimoas, flying in Europe, South America, the U.S., Japan, and elsewhere.

The book is overall in very sound condition with some slight discoloration
on the edges of the pages and on the canvas that binds the cover. The last
few pages have some moisture discoloration. It will be of interest only
to a serious collector, and it will not be inexpensive. The book is
currently in the Washington D.C. area. Preference will be given
to a buyer who is in a position to maximize its potential by donating it
to an appropriate museum.