Invasion 1940: The Nazi Invasion Plan for Britain by SS General Walter Schellenberg [Paperback]

Walter Schellenberg (Author), John Erickson (Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2001

In August 1940, in compliance with the Führer's directive on the imminent invasion of Britain, the Gestapo prepared a secret handbook to be distributed to the occupation forces. It offered an astonishing insight into exactly how the Nazis perceived Britain and her empire, offering detailed analyses of the political and economic structure of the country, with chapters covering everything from Parliament and public schools to freemasonry and the Boy Scouts. The chapter on British Intelligence was considered so embarrassingly accurate that the few copies retrieved at the end of the war were retained by the authorities. It is only now, more than half a century later, that a translation has been made, revealing the full and remarkable truth.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

In August 1940, in compliance with the Führer¹s directive on the imminent invasion of Britain, the Gestapo prepared a secret handbook to be distributed to the occupation forces. It offered an astonishing insight into exactly how the Nazis perceived Britain and her empire, offering detailed analyses of the political and economic structure of the country, with chapters covering everything from Parliament and public schools to freemasonry and the Boy Scouts. The chapter on British Intelligence was considered so embarrassingly accurate that the few copies retrieved at the end of the war were retained by the authorities. It is only now, more than half a century later, that a translation has been made, revealing the full and remarkable truth.

About the Author

SS officer Walter Schellenberg was the pseudonymous of INVASION 1940 - the revelation of his identity as author is a historically significant event.

Product Details

• Paperback: 287 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group (March 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0953615138
• ISBN-13: 978-0953615131
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 4.9 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,443,854 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MISNAMED BOOK, November 19, 2008

By 

Dr. Robert B. Lynch "rblynch" (Palominas, Arizona, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Invasion 1940: The Nazi Invasion Plan for Britain by SS General Walter Schellenberg (Paperback)

This book is incorrectly titled "Invasion 1940." The book is a handbook for occupation forces after the invasion. It nowhere purports to be an invasion plan.
This book was not compiled by "SS Police." Walther Schellenberg was an SS Surmbannfuhrer (Major) at the time of the compilation of the book. He was a Dept. Head in the SD (Security Service) He was promoted Brigadefuhrer und Generalmajor (Major General)in 1944.
Schellenberg was an attorney and like so many unemployed professionals joined the elite SS. He was noticed by SD Chief Heydrich ( combat fighter pilot (Norway), olympic grade fencer and concert hall level violinist). Heydrich always sought the brightest men for the SD. Schellenberg although known to the top level leaders of the Third Reich was unknown to the public.
As an Academy graduate, retired Army officer and retired attorney/judge I see the lawyers hand in this book. While the book is a summary of of an entire nation there is a noticeable economy of words. The organization of data is superb. This is NOT a book for the casual history reader. For the historian, especially those who ponder alternate history it is a goldmine!
Schellenberg was not just an intellectual he was a man of action and personal bravery in that he personally engaged in a gun battle with British agents in Holland and brought them as prisoners to Germany. For that action he was awarded the Iron Cross 1st Class.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Chilling read, November 21, 2008

By 

Anthony Genualdi (Scottsdale, AZ) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Invasion 1940: The Nazi Invasion Plan for Britain by SS General Walter Schellenberg (Paperback)

This book isn't for someone who expects a quick read. It was put together with typical Nazi zealousness by SS officer Walter Schellenberg. It was purportedly for the troops going into Britain for Operation Sealion. It wouldn't have been much use for the average soldier, but rather the administrators that would run a German-held Britain. It's most unsettling portion is the "Special Wanted List GB," which contained the names of many people the Gestapo would want arrested. Many famous names are included, such as Winston Churchill and H.G. Wells.
If you are a student of history, and would want to know what the Nazis would have done in Britain, give this book a read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Cover Art For Book, January 20, 2011

By 

Rude Boy 1979 "Ralph" (Today I'm in Ybor City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Invasion 1940: The Nazi Invasion Plan for Britain by SS General Walter Schellenberg (Paperback)

Not a review of the book, but I noticed the cover art of the soldiers in front of Big Ben was used for the DVD cover art of the movie "It Happened Here". I liked the movie a lot and just wanted to pass that along. It's about a German occupation of England during WW2 (what if alternate reality). If you are looking here though you probably already knew about this film, lol. Maybe not though as it's an obscure film, but should be at Netflix.