The uncommon First US edition of this German author's novel of warfare and treachery on the Russian Front during World War 2. The book was filmed by Sam Peckinpah as Cross of Iron with James Coburn in the leading role of Corporal Steiner.
The UK edition (also 1956) was titled The Willing Flesh, a literal translation of the original German title.
Published in New York by the Bobbs-Merrill Company, blue cloth covers with gilt titles to the backstrip, 456 pages, untrimmed at the fore-edge.
Pushed and rubbed a little at the spine tips, reading crease to the spine. The corners are nice and straight and the block remains fresh and free from signs of previous ownership. A VG, firm copy.
The dustjacket is priced at $4.50 on the front flap. Frayed with minor loss and nicks at the spine tips and corners of the front panel, there is some damp-staining or browning to the inside of the spine. Slightly tanned overall but looks much nicer than it probably sounds. To the rear panel is a photograph of the author, Willi Heinrich, bearing an uncanny resemblance to the English actor Ralph Fiennes! A Good++ dustjacket.
