Nazi Millionaires: The Allied Search for Hidden SS Gold

Book Description

During the final days of World War II, German SS officers crammed trains, cars, and trucks full of gold, currency, and jewels, and headed for the mountains of Austria. Fearful of arrest and determined to keep the stolen loot out of Allied hands, they concealed their treasures and fled. Most of these men were eventually apprehended, but many managed to evade capture. The intensive postwar Allied investigation that followed recovered only a sliver of this mountain of gold. What happened to the rest of it, and what fate befell these men?

Authors Alford and Savas answer these questions and many more in this fast-paced and well-written new book. Their groundbreaking study is based upon thousands of pages of previously unpublished and recently declassified documents. The result is a fresh and absolutely original reading experience that offers insights into the minds and methods of these SS thieves, the Reich Security Main Office (RSHA) within which they labored, how they achieved their positions of near-absolute power, the complex Allied investigation into their activities, and what happened to the vast sums of wealth they looted from Europe's Jews.

Nazi Millionaires deftly captures the high drama surrounding these men and women and the secrets they carried with them during the closing days of World War II--and in some cases, to the grave. It is a remarkable tale of greed, lust, fraud, deceit, treachery, and murder. And it is one you will long remember.

About the Authors: Kenneth D. Alford, of Richmond, Virginia, is the author of Great Treasure Stories of World War II and The Spoils of World War II. Theodore P. Savas has written or edited a dozen books, including Silent Hunters: German U-Boat Commanders of World War II. He lives in El Dorado Hills, California.

Customer Reviews:

Yawn...what a shocker...not.......2004-05-09

I was given this book as a gift, and I can only hope that my friend did not pay full price.

Having read through it, let me convey the overriding sarcastic thought that kept racing through my mind: oh gee, what a surprise. Just think about it...the Nazis, who murdered millions of innocents, had the audacity to steal millions as well...shocking.

I cannot remember a less revealing book connected to WWII. The bio stuff has some interesting bits, but the main theme lacks drama and contributes absoltuely nothing to our knowledge of the period.

In my opinion, the 2 star rating is being kind.

More biography than gold.......2003-06-20

After recently finishing this book, I must admit, I enjoyed it. But I could not shake the lingering disappointment I had with the book strictly based on it's lack of attention to the subject at hand- the hidden gold. I chose this book as a book to review for my War Crimes class and was disappointed to find out that the book covers more biographical information about the Nazis than it does about the actual hunt and discovery of the gold. The book itself is extremely well written and researched but ultimately strays from the subject. Regardless, definitely a good purchase for WWII enthusiasts.

A good grasp on the truth.......2003-03-09

"Nazi Millionaires" is well-written and entertaining as well as informative. I read it as a professional historian and my wife as a mystery novel fanatic and we both enjoyed it equally. What really makes this a fine book is the way in which the authors skillfully separate the truth from the hype, speculation, and romanticization that characterize all too many "lost treasures" books. In addition, they have turned up and pieced together some important new material on World War II.

Solidly Researched Book on Fascinating Subject.......2002-12-27

I loved this book primarily for three reasons.

First, it is based upon first class research, something you rarely find these days in the history field. So many books are based on secondary works and the opinion of others. This is one of the major reasons I bought this book. Almost every end note is based upon a report, diary, letter, interview, trial record, and so on. That is important to me. The analysis and opinions and conclusion based upon these records is top notch.

Second, it is on a subject that has not gotten as much attention as it deserves. How were the Nazis able to get away with methodically pillaging entire countries?You have to have a lot more than just a strong army. This book explains the organization (RSHA) and the men who set up the system within the system that made this all possible, and the authors did it better than I have ever seen it done.

Third, this book is exceptionally well written. Most history books plod along with one dry fact after another. Nazi Millionaires has so many "hooks" to keep you reading that, for a while, I thought I was reading a good Clancy book! One chapter ties into the next, and you can't help but keep turning the pages.

I found two downsides, both rather minor. First, although the book was chronologically organized, I thought the ending was sort of sudden. The Postscript offers a glimpse of what happened to the major characters, and this helps smooth this out. (But Kaltenbrunner was left out of the Postscript, which seems like a mistake.) Second, I wish the book had a few more maps. There is one overall map in the front, which helped a lot. But these are very minor points and maybe not even worth mentioning.

Overall I loved this book (and the binding is quality as well). I already passed it along to my friend to read, and he says it is "awesome." Thanks, Alford and Savas. Write another one!

Another dirty little secret from the master race.......2002-10-11

Paul from Oklahoma City

I bought another book from this publisher called "Through Hell From Hitler," and I liked it a lot, so I tried this one after reading the posted reviews. I was not disappointed.

I knew I would like this book as soon as I finished the first two pages of the preface, which ended the first section with the hanging of an SS officer. The authors did not reveal his identity until the last sentence, building the suspense and tension with wonderful details drawn from a New York Times article. Very well done! The first couple of chapters methodically set in place the Nazi government and describe the RSHA (a large SS office that oversaw the pillaging and killing of Europe's Jews), but the rest of the book is fast-paced, well written, and informative.

A few of the high placed Nazis got what they deserved, but this book exposes many of the lower ranking officers who not only escaped justice but seem to have successfully hidden their loot, and maintained postwar access to it. Several of these guys, Hirschfeld and Hottl being but two examples, cut deals with the Americans and worked for our government or walked away as free (often very rich) men. My two favorite personalities were Kurt Becher and Franz Konrad. Their tales are simply amazing and very well presented. Women play a role here too. Not altogether pleasant ladies.

All in all a great read about a fascinating subject. The documentation seems very thorough, the production quality is good, and the postscript called "Loose Ends" (clever double entendre), ties everything up nicely. Did the Countess really get away with a chest full of gold? I can't recommend this book enough. Why it is not higher on the sales counter beats the heck out of me.

Book Description

The Atlantic Economy during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries is a collection of essays focusing on the expansion, elaboration, and increasing integration of the economy of the Atlantic basin—comprising parts of Europe, West Africa, and the Americas—during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In thirteen essays, the contributors examine the complex and variegated processes by which markets were created in the Atlantic basin and how they became integrated.

While a number of the contributors focus on the economic history of a specific European imperial system, others, mirroring the realities of the world they are writing about, transcend imperial boundaries and investigate topics shared throughout the region. In the latter case, the contributors focus either on processes occurring along the margins or interstices of empires, or on "breaches" in the colonial systems established by various European powers. Taken together, the essays shed much-needed light on the organization and operation of both the European imperial orders of the early modern era and the increasingly integrated economy of the Atlantic basin challenging these orders over the course of the same period. CONTRIBUTORS Kenneth J. Banks Jan de Vries Robert S. DuPlessis S. Max Edelson David Hancock April Lee Hatfield Laura Croghan Kamoie Peter C. Mancall R. C. Nash Laura Náter Ty M. Reese Joshua L. Rosenbloom Claudia Schnurmann Daviken Studnicki-Gizbert Thomas Weiss

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The Atlantic Economy during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries: Organization, Operation, Practice, and Personnel.(Book review): An article from: Journal of Southern History
Stanley L. Engerman
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000I0QE48
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Southern History, published by Thomson Gale on August 1, 2006. The length of the article is 776 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Atlantic Economy during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries: Organization, Operation, Practice, and Personnel.(Book review)
Author: Stanley L. Engerman
Publication: Journal of Southern History (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 72 Issue: 3 Page: 642(2)

Article Type: Book review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Coordinated Science is suitable for both coordinated and integrated science courses at 9th and 10th Grade. Concepts in the physical, life and earth sciences are integrated into major subject areas and related directly to studentsâ€™ experiences. Coordinated Science covers a broad spectrum of scientific concepts and is designed to build a solid foundation for students moving into the 21st century. The Coordinated Science Teacherâ€™s Resource Book supports the two studentsâ€™ texts - Coordinated Science 1 and 2 - by providing full answers to questions, comprehensive equipment and resource lists, help with practical work, suggestions for teaching approaches and assessments, ideas for using information technology, and further activities for the students in the form of photocopiable worksheets.

Book Description

The definitive work on the subject, it offers you comprehensive and accurate coverage of the theory and techniques of ground water development. Provides not only a general overview of the topic with applications but also incorporates sufficient detail to be of use to professionals involved in any phase of ground water. Divided into three parts, the text traces the progression of the study of ground water from its origin through its development and exploitation. Part one deals mainly with the nature of ground water and where it can be found. Part two considers the parameters related to water well design and construction. In part three, there is a thorough review of well and well field operation, including monitoring for environmental protection. Although the focus is on high-capacity ground water producing installations, most of the material is also applicable to lower-yield wells.

Practical Handbook of Ground-Water Monitoring

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Practical Handbook of Ground-Water Monitoring
NIELSEN
Manufacturer: CRC-Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0873711246

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Practical Handbook of Ground Water Monitoring covers the complete spectrum of state-of-the-science technology applied to investigations of ground water quality. The emphasis of the book is on the practical application of current technology, and minimum theory is discussed. The subject of ground water monitoring is covered in great detail, from the Federal regulations that require monitoring to the various direct and indirect methods of investigating the subsurface - to the analysis and interpretations of complex sets of water quality data. All aspects of ground water quality investigations, including site assessment techniques, health and safety considerations and equipment decontamination, are dealt with in a logical order that will allow the reader to follow along in the same thought progression as a field project. The experiences and expertise of more than 30 practicing scientists and engineers combine to make this book the most comprehensive reference compiled on the topic of ground water monitoring.

The Essential Handbook of Ground-Water Sampling

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The Essential Handbook of Ground-Water Sampling
David M. Nielsen , and Gillian Nielsen
Manufacturer: CRC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1420042785

Book Description

Tremendous improvements in ground-water sampling methodologies and analytical technologies have made it possible to collect and analyze truly representative samples to detect increasingly lower levels of contaminant-now in the sub-parts-per-billion range. Though these new methods produce more accurate and precise data and are less expensive, many companies and government agencies are reluctant to update their sampling protocols and regulations claiming the transition would be too costly. The Essential Handbook of Ground-Water Sampling clearly details the economic and scientific case for adopting these new methodologies. Citing examples of unnecessary expenditure due to the inaccuracy of out-dated techniques, the editors point out that the expense of making incorrect decisions based on poor quality samples clearly negates any savings that might be enjoyed by using older, more inefficient, and effectively short-sighted, methods. Using numerous figures, tables, and references to recent research, the editors explain the efficiency of utilizing newer, more accurate, techniques that produce higher quality data. The text provides a detailed discussion of every aspect of groundwater sampling from the development of a sampling and analysis plan, through sample collection, pretreatment, handling, shipping, and analysis, to the documentation, interpretation, and presentation of ground-water quality data. Successful sampling events and accurate data provide a sound foundation for making important, potentially expensive decisions regarding site monitoring, risk assessment, remediation, and closure. Armed with the information presented in this handbook, environmental professionals will be able to make sound technological and economic decisions regarding the choice of sampling equipment, methodologies, and procedures to meet their site-specific objectives and ensure the success of their ground-water sampling programs.

Environmental Impact Assessment of Recycled Wastes on Surface and Ground Waters: Risk Analysis (The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry) (Handbook of Environmental Chemistry)

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Environmental Impact Assessment of Recycled Wastes on Surface and Ground Waters: Risk Analysis (The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry) (Handbook of Environmental Chemistry)
Kassim T.A.
Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540235876

Book Description

The state of the art of the impact assessment of recycled hazardous waste materials on surface and ground waters is presented. The topics include chemodynamics, toxicology, modeling and information systems. Due to the wealth of information on this topic, the texts of T. Kassim (ed.): Environmental Impact Assessment of Recycled Wastes on Surface and Ground Waters are published in three separate volumes: vol. 1: Concepts, Methodology and Chemical Analysis; vol. 2: Risk Analysis and vol. 3: Engineering Modeling and Sustainability. The book serves as a practical conceptual guide for those who have professional responsibility for the monitoring, design, management, or conduct of environmental impact assessment. It is believed that the book will prove useful to the reader who, regardless of disciplinary background, wants to examine in greater detail the kinds of interdisciplinary contributions to contemporary decision-making processes that characterize modern impact assessment project development. Each volume contains the contents of all volumes.

EPA Handbook: Ground Water (Ground Water and Contamination, Volume 1)

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EPA Handbook: Ground Water (Ground Water and Contamination, Volume 1)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000UZI6OC

Product Description

EPA handbook describing the geology of ground water and its contamination.

EPA Handbook: Ground Water (Methodology, Volume II)

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EPA Handbook: Ground Water (Methodology, Volume II)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000UZIW5K

Product Description

EPA Publication number EPA/625/6-90/016b

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Ground Water Handbook
Anderson
Manufacturer: National Groundwater Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1560340525

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Ground Water Handbook
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Manufacturer: Government Institutes
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0865872791

Book Description

This comprehensive technical guide to assessing and monitoring ground water contamination contains more than 165 charts, tables, and illustrations and highlights such issues as using models to manage ground water protection programs, restoring ground water, investigating ground water quality, sampling ground water, tracing contaminants in the subsurface, and monitoring well design and construction.

Ground-water information manual: Coal mine permit applications

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Ground-water information manual: Coal mine permit applications
David B Richards
Manufacturer: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Handbook for the Identification, Location and Investigation of Pollution Sources Affecting Ground Water: A Basic Guide for Government Personnel, Ind

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Handbook for the Identification, Location and Investigation of Pollution Sources Affecting Ground Water: A Basic Guide for Government Personnel, Ind
Gil Oudijk , and Karen Mujica
Manufacturer: National Ground Water Association
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