While Berlin Burns: The Memoirs of Hans-Georg von Studnitz

Hans-Georg von Studnitz held a senior post in the German Foreign Office Press and Information Section in Berlin throughout the war. He also edited the official German Diplomatic, Correspondence, gaining a unique insight into events in Europe through his frequent contact with foreign diplomats and travels to France and Spain. His diaries chronicle the key events of the war from 1943-5 and are a fascinating expose of the state of the German and foreign press during the war. The potentially provocative nature of his diaries meant that his secretary had to hide them every night in the office safe. Von Studnitz’s diaries describe vividly the bombing raids on Berlin and the terrible devastation and loss of life they incurred. Taking us on a tour of the ruins of the bombed out city, he describes the dignity and calm of Berliners in the face of disaster. He also paints a sparkling portrait of the international set which he frequented. His diaries evoke a bygone era of diplomatic life and provide fascinating accounts of his meetings with key personalities such as the dashing Count Ciano, doomed Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs. As an insight into the life of a prominent figure of the German establishment during the war and an eyewitness account of the Battle of Berlin, von Studnitz’s diaries are a rare and fascinating resource for the student and enthusiast. AUTHOR: Hans-Georg von Studnitz (19071993) began his career as a journalist in Berlin in 1930. At the outbreak of war, he was called up for service and attached to the German Foreign Office and Information Service, in which he held a senior post until the end of the war. After the war, he reported on the proceedings at the Nuremberg trials for Die Zeit.