Berlin Calling: American Broadcasters in Service to the Third Reich

(Hardback)

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Published to coincide with the 50th anniversary of America's entry into World War II, this volume chronicles the careers of eight USA Zone commentators who worked for Nazi propagandist Josef Goebbels. Drawing upon a variety of documentary sources - letters written by the subjects to family, friends and colleagues; treason trial transcripts; the contents of the BBC's wartime monitoring service; and FBI case files on the broadcasters - the author explores each broadcaster's political and personal motivations and the influence of their broadcasts. "Berlin Calling" also offers a glimpse into the world of Nazi bureaucracy and the organization of Nazi radio propaganda and highlights the uneven US approach to the indictment, prosecution, conviction and sentencing of these radio traitors. Beginning with an introductory chapter that outlines the formation of the USA Zone and profiles its pioneer American broadcasters, the author goes on to present biographies of the five major commentators: Jane Anderson, Max Otto Koischwitz, Robert Best, Douglas Chandler and Donald Day. By examining each broadcaster's background, career, professional relationships, political leanings and roots in America, Edwards seeks to answer such questions as: Were these men and women dedicated Nazis or simply opportunists looking for personal financial gain What motivated them to denounce Roosevelt's New Deal politics so vehemently and how could these individuals - all bright and talented expatriates - not have recognized the malevolent core of Nazism In addition to evidence derived from archival records and personal correspondence, the author includes commentaries from celebrities and dignitaries who knew the broadcasters, fictional characterizations of some of them and autobiographical material from the subjects themselves. Three minor journalists are also profiled: Constance Drexel, Mildred Gillars and Ed Delaney.

Reviews

An extremely detailed biographical account of five American expatriates who broadcast on shortwave for the Nazis . . . The author, an archivist at the University of Georgia, relies on letters, transcripts from treason trials, and other evidence to probe individual motivations. Recommended for collections dealing with World War II propaganda. * Library Journal *
Edwards offers a fascinating account, as scholarly as it is readable. . . . Berlin calling is a fine work, of particular interest to students of Nazism, American extremism, and the propaganda of the Second World War. * The International History Review *
[T]his is an engrossing book. For it not only tells a history, not yet told, but it also delves into the enigmatic nature of the human psyche . . . and the makings of treason. * Martyrdom and Resistance *
John Carver Edwards' Berlin Calling is an intriguing, you-were-there expose of American journalists who turned their backs on their country during the Third Reich. * The Athens Observer *
[Edwards'] book makes a nice addition to the library of any World War II junkie. * The Atlanta Journal *

Author Bio

John Carver Edwards, PhD, a University Archivist at the University of Georgia, has authored dozens of historical articles and a book on the National Security League.