Wir lernen lesen. Erstes Lesebuch - "We Learn to Read. First Reading Book" by Kolar, H. & J. DF. Pöschl with illustrations by Ernst Koper, published by Östereichischer Bundesverlag. Vienna 1938. A German ABC learning book with clear Nazi messages for children - 7 year olds learn about "Heil Hitler" and obedience to the Führer as part of first ABC lesson. "These will be skilled soldiers the Führer will enjoy very much!" Rare. German.
An illustrated book for learning the German alphabet published in Austria on the local municipality's initiative. Alongside children's stories corresponding to the alphabet letters with innocent illustrations of children's scenes according to the ABC order, there are clear Nazi messages meant to indoctrinate youth with absolute submission to Hitler the leader and the Nazi ideology from a young age while learning the ABCs. For example, in the letter N there is an illustration showing Hitler Youth boys and girls in uniforms, with text: "He raises his right arm and shouts: Heil Hitler! Nora also says hello, as do Hans and Susie. What is the greeting? Who is Adolf Hitler?" . Another page shows Hitler Youth children in uniforms with swastikas marching in a parade drumming as the crowd cheers and raise their arms for a Nazi salute , captioned "Our Youth": "Here come the boys and girls from the youth! Up front carries the flag and two drummers, behind them the many bells. The drummers drum: Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!, and all march to the same beat with heads held high and attention. Boys in brown shirts and black pants, the girls in white shirts and black skirts. The people get excited about the new children and shout: "Heil! But the boys don't look right and left. These will be skilled soldiers the Führer will enjoy very much! We march steadily, we are not weak, yes our guide knows us well! Youth from Austria!"
The book subtly mixes the Nazi messages positioning Hitler as leader and Hitler Youth as future "soldiers the Führer will enjoy" among stories about horses, cows, Little Red Riding Hood, spring coming, hurry to school!, dancing in the snow, New Year is already here etc. All pages are richly illustrated in color. Published presumably after Austria's annexation (Anschluss) by Germany in March 1938.
On the frontispiece it notes: "Warning! Property of the City of Vienna. Not for sale or transfer".
[2], 112, [2] p. 24 cm. Very good condition.
