Buy this book on-line

AUGUSTA MARIE WATZLAWIK [stage name GUSTY RAINHOFF] [later HART] : 1942 - 1945 ORIGINAL GERMAN WORLD WAR II HOME FRONT DIARY HANDWRITTEN BY OPERA STAR AND THEN GERMAN-AMERICAN WAR BRIDE FROM THE CITY THAT WAS THE SPIRITUAL HEART OF HITLER'S THIRD REICH

8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. On offer is the remarkable, original World War II manuscript German home front diary handwritten by renowned European Opera star Augusta [Gusty Rainhoff] Marie Watzlawik [later then Hart]. The 6 ¼ x 7 ¼"diary, written in German, is dated 1942 through 1945 with over 67 ½ pp handwritten entries pages Gusty provides a riveting and intimate narrative. Culture and love, fate and practicality with the backdrop of war collide as the writer has to deal with the realities of war, the tangled web of her personal life as well as concern about her career if she should become pregnant. Intimate and a rather unique perspective on the war from within Germany makes for what collectors and researchers of the era will agree is quite rare coming from the heart of Hitler's favored city of Munich, the city known as Hauptstadt der Bewegung "Capital of the Movement". The diary begins with her personal conflict. Here are some snippets: "May 14 This book shall capture my experiences after my parting with Clemmens. I'll be alone, I hope...we want to be good friends and help each other in dismal Munich. May 15 Today is a new beginning in my life. I said my farewells with Clemmens, and it's serious, he's being posted to Africa. These two last days with Clemmens were not so nice, they perhaps made me unhappy... in spite of the fact that he said he loves me.... but I know and feel it, that I love him much more. It is after all a farewell for ever or so I suspect, and it's probably for the best. I pray for him, that he remains healthy .... I tell ... I am engaged, that my husband is.... This is the role I will play now. I'm much more enthusiastic, I will write him letters, because in hot Africa, he will need me.... God grant that I don't have a child, I don't want one. I want to be free for the Theatre. I was too happy, now I have to pay. That's how life is. June 3. Rehearsals....I sing Elixsir. Mr ??? leads .... he was nice and very courteous. The men are interested, an officer.... the work gives me pleasure. June 7. Work and more work. It all works. Often I am lonely... I love him so, I pray every evening for him. June 15. The premiere is over. All went well and I am satisfied. ... Flowers..I am just tired because of the rehearsals. June 16 .... God give me strength. July 23.... the intrigues of Margot Adam have they backfired. August 8 Soon I will be 27 years old. I can't give up my career.... What's the matter with Clemmens? I love him. August 12. A letter came back. Lord God, what is the matter? I love him.. yes, I don't know anything, it's enough to make me crazy. What is my life without Clemmens? There can't be anything, I can't stand it. Lord God, love him and keep him safe for me. August 17. Clemmens is wounded. I hope he'll be okay. ... I can't work, how is he?" Along with the diary is an autograph letter, postmarked Beuthen 1944 addressed to her in Munchen [Munich], 4 pp written front and back for total of 8 pp. Overall VG. BIO NOTES: Originally from Austria she was a rather famous operetta soubrette soprano in Nürnberg in the late 40's and early 50's. She married an American officer, Major Charles J. Hart in 1951, and lived in Texas.. German Language. Book Condition: Very Good

Bibliophile Bookbase for antiquarian books, maps and prints.