Die Amerikafahrt des Graf Zeppelin by Dr. Hugo Eckener, Berlin

Original German aviation and airship history volume titled Die Amerikafahrt des „Graf Zeppelin“ by Dr. h.c. Hugo Eckener, documenting the historic transatlantic flight of the rigid airship LZ-127 Graf Zeppelin. This work was issued in Berlin by Verlag August Scherl G.m.b.H. and represents an authoritative first-hand account by the airship’s commander and principal architect of Zeppelin-era lighter-than-air aviation.

The full German title translates into English as:
“The America Voyage of the ‘Graf Zeppelin.’”

Authored by Dr. h.c. Hugo Eckener, the legendary leader of the Zeppelin Company and commander of LZ-127, with editorial contributions by Rolf Brandt. Eckener was the central figure in German airship development following the death of Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin and was internationally regarded as the foremost authority on rigid airship operations. The Graf Zeppelin’s 1928 transatlantic flight marked a defining moment in interwar aviation history, demonstrating the strategic, commercial, and diplomatic potential of long-range airship travel.

This example is bound in its original red cloth boards with vertically ribbed texture. The front cover bears the gilt-stamped inscription:
“Dr. Hugo Eckener – Die Amerikafahrt des Graf Zeppelin.”
The spine is similarly gilt-lettered and remains legible. The rear board is plain red cloth, matching the front. The binding is intact and structurally sound.

The title page confirms authorship and publication details and notes the print run as “41. bis 60. Tausend,” indicating this copy originates from the 41,000 to 60,000 printing range. The publisher imprint reads: “Verlag August Scherl G.m.b.H., Berlin SW.” All text is in German.

The contents include narrative chapters detailing the planning, execution, navigation, meteorological challenges, and international reception of the Graf Zeppelin’s America voyage, as well as reflections on the broader future of airship travel. The book contains numerous black-and-white photographic illustrations taken from on-board cameras and ground-based documentation, including aerial views of the Graf Zeppelin in flight and images captured over the United States. One illustrated page captioned “Das Luftschiff über New Jersey” (“The airship over New Jersey”) is shown and remains sharp and well printed.

Historically, this work is a cornerstone reference for Zeppelin and early aviation collectors. The Graf Zeppelin flights symbolized Germany’s technological prestige during the interwar period and were closely followed worldwide. Eckener’s writings provide rare primary-source insight into rigid airship command, navigation, and international aviation diplomacy during the late 1920s and early 1930s. This volume is particularly desirable for collectors of German aviation, airship ephemera, and pre-Second World War flight history.

Condition is very good overall. The binding is solid with only light edge and corner wear. The cloth shows mild fading and surface handling consistent with age. The spine is intact with minor abrasion. Interior pages are clean and bright, with minimal toning and no significant staining. The photographic plates are well preserved and fully legible. No evidence of modern repair or restoration is present.