The astonishing biography of Josef Ganz; a Jewish designer from Frankfurt; who in May 1931 created a revolutionary small car: the Maikäfer (German for "May bugâ€). Seven years later; Hitler introduced the Volkswagen. The Nazis not only "took†the concept of Ganz's family car-their production model even ended up bearing the same nickname. The Beetle incorporated many of the features of Ganz's original Maikäfer; yet until recently Ganz received no recognition for his pioneering work. The Nazis did all they could to keep the Jewish godfather of the German compact car out of the history books. Now Paul Schilperoord sets the record straight. Josef Ganz was hunted by the Nazis; even beyond Germany's borders; and narrowly escaped assassination. He was imprisoned by the Gestapo until an influential friend with connections to Göring helped secure his release. Soon afterward; he was forced to flee Germany; while Porsche; using many of his groundbreaking ideas; created the Volkswagen for Hitler. After the war; Ganz moved to Australia; where he died in 1967.
#992058 in Books 2013-07-19 2013-08-02Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 6.25 x .75l; 1.32 #File Name: 1612001653288 pages
Review
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent read for anyone wanting to know more information about ...By Michael J. NelsonThis is an excellent read for anyone wanting to know more information about the American Revolution or early special operations practiced by our military. Some of the events such as the taking of Fort Ticonderoga and the Battle of Kings Mountain are well known. Other activities; such as the raids by Benjamin Whitcomb and Whitcomb's Rangers are less well known. This book portrays some of the small unit activities and espionage that were critical to the outcome of some of the larger; better known battles. I highly recommend this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. "Special Operations" adds a new angle to interpretation of military efforts in the American RevolutionBy Marvin K. Collison"Special Operations in the American Revolution" goes beyond the list of guerrilla campaigns that are usually considered special operations in the Revolutionary War; such as sharpshooters and Southern partisans like Frances Marion; and includes a much broader range of efforts on the order John Paul Jones' raids on English ports; the capture of Nassau in the Bahamas; the Battle of Kings Mountain and the "whaleboat war" around New York. Yet all fit the now-classic definition of special operations and have the same impact of modern efforts where small forces do more damage and cause far more disruption than expected from relatively minor forces. The book shows such attacks; like modern-day ones; had serious impacts on the course of the war. George Rogers Clark's capture of Vincennes and "Hair Buyer" Hamilton is an example of this; where American claims on the Old Northwest were strengthened to the point the British ceded it to the young American republic in the final peace treaty in 1783.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Excellent history!By GertTonsetic's military background does show and while he is truly an excellent story-teller; his sometimes over-wrought detail of current Joint Pubs is a bit much. And coming from an old staff weenie; that is saying something. Other than that; the level of detail is just enough to provide a vivid picture - what we want from a story teller. He introduces us to players and events that are often overlooked in so many histories; yet provide a much needed understanding of the of the overall American (rebel) campaign; and the fact that even today special forces are indeed "special."Tonsetic does deserve a better publisher/editor; however. While the writing is excellent; some of the obvious typos look a lot like some of my drafts - missed punctuation; missing capitalization; etc. Once or twice it is not an issue; but in some sections it was almost a distraction (I'm a staff weenie ...). Perhaps those issues are unique to the Kindle version I read; though I doubt it. That is my rationale for 4 vice 5 stars.
