Die Amerikafahrt des "Graf Zeppelin" by Dr. Hugo Eckener

This is an original German-language edition of Die Amerikafahrt des "Graf Zeppelin" by Dr. Hugo Eckener, edited by Rolf Brandt and published by Verlag August Scherl, Berlin. The book documents the famous 1928 transatlantic flight of the airship LZ 127 Graf Zeppelin to the United States, one of the most celebrated achievements of the Golden Age of airships.

Bound in textured red cloth with gilt lettering to cover and spine, this example is exceptionally well preserved. The front board is clean and bright, showing minimal wear. The spine gilt remains strong and sharp, while the back board is free of major marks or stains.

The title page identifies Dr. h.c. Hugo Eckener, legendary airship commander and promoter of safe transatlantic flight, with publishing credits to August Scherl GmbH in Berlin. The table of contents includes detailed sections by Eckener himself, covering "Das Schiff," "Der Fahrtbericht," and "Rückblick und Ausblick," among others. It also features sections by Rolf Brandt, including a passenger diary and reception in America.

Interior pages are clean and crisp, with excellent typography on high-quality paper. Notably, this edition includes 42 photographic illustrations and a map (as indicated in the contents), with at least one period photograph of the Graf Zeppelin over New Jersey visible in the images provided. The photographic plates retain strong contrast and period authenticity.

Spine and binding are intact with no loose pages, and the book remains fully functional for reading and research. This is a highly collectible volume for Zeppelin enthusiasts, Luftschiff historians, and collectors of pre-WWII German aviation literature.

Condition

• Excellent overall with minimal shelfwear

• Bright gilt lettering

• Clean, tight binding

• Internally near fine with strong photographic plates

• Minor edge or corner rubbing only

Historical Background

The Graf Zeppelin's 1928 voyage to America was a milestone in aviation history. Under Eckener's command, the LZ 127 made the first commercial passenger transatlantic flight by airship, landing in Lakehurst, New Jersey, to enormous public acclaim. This mission helped solidify German expertise in lighter-than-air travel and set the stage for later round-the-world flights.

Dr. Hugo Eckener was the world's most successful airship commander, renowned for his careful planning, emphasis on safety, and his vision for intercontinental air travel. His firsthand accounts remain essential reading for historians of early aviation.

Provenance

No inscriptions or stamps evident in photos. Appears free of ownership marks.