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Black Tulip: The Life and Myth of Erich Hartmann, the World's Top Fighter Ace Kindle Edition

by Erik Schmidt (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
3.7 out of 5 stars 246 ratings
This myth-busting military biography reveals the true story of the legendary WWII German flying ace—and how his story was manipulated during the Cold War.

Over the course of 1,404 wartime missions, Luftwaffe fighter pilot Erich Hartmann claimed a staggering 352 airborne kills. His storied career contains all the dramas you would expect: frostbitten fighter sweeps over the Eastern Front, drunken forays to Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest, a decade of imprisonment in the wretched Soviet POW camps, and further military service during the Cold War.

Then, just as Hartmann’s career was faltering, he was adopted by a network of writers and commentators deeply invested in his reputation. These men, mostly Americans, published celebratory stories about Hartmann and his elite fraternity of Luftwaffe pilots. With each dogfight tale put into print, Hartmann’s legacy became loftier and more secure, and his complicated service in support of Nazism faded away. Black Tulip digs beneath this one-dimensional account of Hartmann’s life, revealing a man who was neither a full-blown Nazi nor an impeccable knight.
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  1. Print length
    241 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Casemate
  4. Publication date
    February 29, 2020
  5. File size
    8.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

luftwaffe, fighter ace, Erich Hartmann, world war ii, fighter pilot, black tulip

luftwaffe, fighter ace, Erich Hartmann, world war ii, fighter pilot, black tulip

luftwaffe, fighter ace, Erich Hartmann, world war ii, fighter pilot, black tulip

Black Tulip
Normandy 1944
Spying from the Sky
Special Forces Berlin
German Fighter Aircraft in World War I
Customer Reviews
3.7 out of 5 stars 246
4.3 out of 5 stars 72
4.4 out of 5 stars 32
4.4 out of 5 stars 606
4.4 out of 5 stars 48
Price $23.82 $19.04 $24.23 $24.01 $29.46
Military ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓
Aviation ✓ no data ✓ no data ✓
World War II ✓ ✓ no data no data no data
Cold War no data no data ✓ ✓ no data
Biography ✓ no data ✓ no data no data

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘’If you are attracted to the idea of a book that attempts to explore, lucidly, the Nazi period German serviceman’s mindset and which uses Hartmann as its fulcrum, then this might appeal.’’
The Aviation Historian

‘’What sets this book apart is the in depth analysis of who Hartmann was and whether his reputation is apt and why he was and still is held in such high regard. It’s a fascinating book and I highly recommend it.’’
Aviation Enthusiast Book Club

‘’Well-written, thought provoking.’’
Aeroplane Monthly

"...especially appropriate for persona, professional, community, and academic library collections."
Midwest Book Review

‘’Highly recommended for aviation fans…’’
Detail Scale View

"This book offers a clear look at a complex figure and the wider world of the Third Reich which surrounded him and used him for their propaganda. It is an interesting and well-done biography"
WWII History Magazine

“Enjoyed it.”
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society

“I am jealous. This is a wonderfully different—and wonderfully written—work. Schmidt is no fawning fanboy of the ‘Greatest Ace of All Time.’ Instead, he is a sympathetic and insightful researcher who has produced an engrossing and thoughtfully wandering analysis of the multi-dimensional Hartmann that is unlike, and better than, anything ever done. Get this one.”
Jay Stout, author of Vanished Hero and Unsung Eagles

"This is a genuinely fascinating and often compelling book. I like Erik Schmidt’s honesty and his attention to detail. "
War History Online

"Portrays a complex human ... Black Tulip does much to fill in the backstory of the greatest fighter ace."
Flight Journal

"A fascinating insight into the making of a flying legend ... exposes through rigorous analysis how myths are made, and sometimes used, to excuse one of the most evil mass slaughters in history."
RAF News

About the Author

Erik Schmidt has made a career of researching complicated topics. A former magazine editor and senior marketing writer, he has an MFA in creative nonfiction and a lifelong love of history and aviation. He is a freelance writer living in Denver, Colorado with his family.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084MMC9YB
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Casemate (February 29, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 29, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 8.4 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 241 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.7 out of 5 stars 246 ratings

About the author

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Erik Schmidt

Erik Schmidt

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A former magazine editor and senior marketing writer, Erik Schmidt holds an MFA in creative nonfiction and writes extensively in aviation, technology, education, the nonprofit sector, and history.

Aviation has always been his research passion, especially related to the history of the Cold War (a context he's exploring more in his second book). His first book, "Black Tulip: The Life and Myth of Erich Hartmann, the World's Top Fighter Ace," is a forthright exploration of a complicated and compelling life. In it, he uses historical characters not as excuses to make black-and-white declarations, but as case studies in the complexity and ambiguity that are so natural in history.

Customer reviews

3.7 out of 5 stars
246 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it a joy to read while others consider it a waste of time and money. Moreover, the narrative quality and biography receive mixed feedback, with some praising it as a thoughtful biography while others find it uninteresting. Additionally, the writing style receives mixed reviews, with some finding it well-written while others describe it as a plodding discourse. The book's picture quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how it looks closely at the complicated human side of Hartmann.

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4 customers mention "Picture quality"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the picture quality of the book, with one review noting how it delves into Hartmann's complicated human side.

"...In the end the picture of Hartmann is complicated, human, realistic, unflinching, respectful, and tragic. Highly recommended." Read more

"...that it peels off the "WWII hero legacy" and looks more closely at the complicated human underneath...." Read more

"...The two books give a complete picture of the greatest fighter ace of WW2...." Read more

"Looks at background, not a battle narrative...." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"9 positive9 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the book's readability, with some finding it a true joy to read while others consider it a complete waste of time and money.

"...in history based on our Modern American Morality, the final 50 pages are well put together and seem to be deeply researched and do not involve Erich..." Read more

"...reading it and can honestly say I think this is one of the worse non-fiction books I have ever read...." Read more

"...compelling account of the many facets of Hartmann that was a true joy to read." Read more

"It's a tremendous disappointment. The "puff" is the author's filler to seemingly come up with a book instead of a mini biography of Hartmann...." Read more

14 customers mention "Biography"7 positive7 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the biography, with some finding it thoughtful, while one customer notes it lacks actual links to Hartmann's life.

"There is a lot I could say about this book; how it is unlike any German aviator's biography I've ever read; how it got to the crux of something that..." Read more

"...great deal about the Nazis' rise to power in Germany and very little about pilot Hartmann...." Read more

"...Such is the case in this thoroughly researched biography of Erich Hartmann, the WW II pilot with the greatest number of kills...." Read more

"...No actual links to Hartmann's life. Author spent more pages dropping cultural references that proved his premise than any actual facts...." Read more

13 customers mention "Narrative quality"9 positive4 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the narrative quality of the book, with some finding it interesting while others note it lacks action.

"...I will admit that the last 1/4 of the book is an interesting and deep discussion regarding German cooperation and guilt for the conduct of the Third..." Read more

"The book it’s entertaining enough and the author obviously puts much thought into it and writes in an honest manner...." Read more

"...This is not an action packed book as advertised and feel that I got more of a political history lesson...." Read more

"...does not shy away from the inherent "messiness" of life, and offers a narrative that takes into consideration the unique context in which it occured...." Read more

11 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with some finding it well-written and highly recommended, while others describe it as plodding and rambling.

"...There are plenty of those available. This is a book about context and complexity, it embraces ambiguity and refuses to come to neat conclusions...." Read more

"Rather disappointed in this. Book. Entirely too much philosophy, psychology, and search for deeper meaning...." Read more

"The book it’s entertaining enough and the author obviously puts much thought into it and writes in an honest manner...." Read more

"There is no original research or original thought contained in this book...." Read more

4 customers mention "Grammar"0 positive4 negative

Customers criticize the book's grammar, with one mentioning technical errors in the text.

"...There are indeed some technical errors in the text, but this isn't a technical book. There are plenty of those available...." Read more

"...The inconsistencies, poor grammar and structure flaws are like having teeth pulled...." Read more

"...This is the first book I ever stopped reading. The author is terrible. Do not buy this book!!!!!" Read more

"Nothing new. Poorly written..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • CDM
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Different Aviation Biography
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    There is a lot I could say about this book; how it is unlike any German aviator's biography I've ever read; how it got to the crux of something that has been increasingly nagging at my mind for some time now, and that I could never quite adequately describe; how it left me feeling. Instead of reading all that, I'd rather you read this book instead - particularly if you're a Second World War aviation enthusiast (I am). There are indeed some technical errors in the text, but this isn't a technical book. There are plenty of those available. This is a book about context and complexity, it embraces ambiguity and refuses to come to neat conclusions. In the end the picture of Hartmann is complicated, human, realistic, unflinching, respectful, and tragic. Highly recommended.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • ep
    4.0 out of 5 stars Hartmann is complicated. It's about time someone elaborated.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Sometimes, examination of a microscopic detail can illustrate a much larger image. Such is the case in this thoroughly researched biography of Erich Hartmann, the WW II pilot with the greatest number of kills. Hartmann dispatched more than 300 enemy airplanes while flying missions for Germany's Luftwaffe, more than double the war's next most successful pilot, and in general terms, ten times as many as an average pilot flying for any country during the war. Hartmann's unchallenged ability to knock an airplane out of the sky depended upon incredible close-flying skill, devastating sneak attacks, point-blank firing, and rapid escape to avoid hurtling shrapnel.

    Hagiographers on both sides of the Atlantic have elevated Hartmann to idol status in the subsequent decades; a dueling knight of chivalry and honor. Which is why Schmidt's detailed analysis is so timely and important. Hartmann, after all, was flying in support of Hitler's offensives on the Western Front, the Eastern Front, and in support of a home bent upon extermination and annihilation of non-Aryan Europeans.

    Beginning with an interrogation of Hartmann's own opinions regarding Nazism, Anti-Semitism, and nationalism (Hartmann left behind such a thin trail of interviews it is hard to say for certain to what degree he ever questioned the reason he was flying so many missions), Schmidt moves on to the more problematic question of Hartmann's over-the-top, post-war biographers. A great many have claimed to admire Hartmann through a finely-focused military lens, insisting their admiration is apolitical. Schmidt rightly points out that any historian claiming to ignore politics is in fact making a political decision.

    Hartmann, skilled as he was, battered by ten years in Russian postwar detention camps, was in the end flying in support of Nazi world domination.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Marie
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not about Erich Hartmann. Its a magazine article judging Germans by American 2020 moral standards.
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    3/4 of the book is crude and poorly presented with minimal effort, and uses Erich Hartmann as clickbait for financial gain. I will admit that the last 1/4 of the book is an interesting and deep discussion regarding German cooperation and guilt for the conduct of the Third Reich. While I do not agree with Schmidt's conclusions, namely that we should judge everyone in history based on our Modern American Morality, the final 50 pages are well put together and seem to be deeply researched and do not involve Erich Hartmann at all. The first 150 pages are terrible. It is worse than what a child would present for a book report. And that is what it feels like, like Schmidt spent 18 months writing 50 pages about German remorse and guilt. But then had to cram 150 pages worth of writing before a deadline. The inconsistencies, poor grammar and structure flaws are like having teeth pulled. One highly memorable example: Schmidt introduces you to Alfred Hartmann, Erich's father, then seamlessly continues rattling on about Alfred (Jr.), Erich's younger brother, without once ever mentioning that; A: Erich had a younger brother, or B: that the brother's name was Alfred. Another example, Schmidt gives a simple explanation to the differences between BF109 and ME109. It's a simple and straightforward answer he gives, but it will do. But then he continues and says BF109 for the rest of the book. Outside of training, Erich Hartmann only ever flew the ME109G. These may seem trivial, but the first 150 pages are packed full of these errors. Which makes me wonder, was Schmidt so pressed by his deadline that he couldn't click 'spell check'? Or have someone proofread his slop? All this can be forgiven if some good conclusion can be reached. But is it? No, we are left with Schmidt saying 'I don't know who Erich Hartmann was, but he was on the Nazi's side, so he must have been bad'.

    In the end, I wish I could have my money back. This was a magazine article that Schmidt wrapped Erich Hartmann's name around so Schmidt could sell it for money. I would like to return the book but my conscience won't let me.

    Please do not give Erik Schmidt money for this.

    Note: My knowledge of this subject spans 20 years and over 130 books on WWII and its airwar. Including the majority of the books Schmidt references.
    33 people found this helpful
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  • Andrew
    3.0 out of 5 stars it’s ok!
    Reviewed in the United States on February 26, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book it’s entertaining enough and the author obviously puts much thought into it and writes in an honest manner. Unfortunately it’s hampered by the excessive complaining about other books written on the subject matter.
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  • Freddy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thorough, Unflinching Account of the World's Leading Ace
    Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I am very grateful for this balanced, well-rounded account of the complex life of Erich Hartmann. Schmidt did not pander to the general human desire to categorize and simplify the world around them. He writes an account of this incredible man for whom "ace fighter pilot" was a major aspect of his identity, but not the only one. The author does not shy away from the inherent "messiness" of life, and offers a narrative that takes into consideration the unique context in which it occured. Overall, this is a thorough, compelling account of the many facets of Hartmann that was a true joy to read.
    6 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mikey D
    1.0 out of 5 stars This is NOT a biography of Erich Hartmann
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    According to the Amazon blurb this book "started out as a grad-school thesis". And boy does it read like it. This is most definitely not a conventional biography. In fact, the name Erich Hartmann is often not even mentioned on many pages of this book (which, despite the Amazon claim of 240 pages is actually only 212 pages including endnotes, bibliography and index).
    If you want to know about Erich Hartmann you would be much better off looking at Wikipedia - where it is told in a much more interesting way. The author is big on historical context but small on biographical detail.
    He spends too much time trying to debunk the first real Hartmann biography by Toliver and Constable: "The Blond Knight of Germany", but manages direct quotes from the book and also paraphrases many of the T&C anecdotes. In fact, out of 319 endnotes a total of 53 are for "The Blond Knight of Germany".
    His research is pretty poor. There are two mentions that he makes about talking to locals from Hartmann's hometown that bookend the story. The first one is a waitress and he freely admits his knowledge of German is too poor and he fails to ask all the questions he wanted to. The last one is about two women tending graves in the cemetery where Erich Hartmann is buried. Again he freely admits that his poor German lets him down again. So the only two actual interviews he admits to are both failures.
    His research is very limited. He mentions fellow JG52 pilot Hermann Graf briefly but has clearly not read "Oberst Hermann Graf: 200 Luftsiege in 13 Monaten" which he could have used very constructively in helping to tell part of the story. And to avoid utilising the Bernd Barbas book on Hartmann's primary unit: "Die Geschichte der III.Gruppe des JG52" is poor judgement and downright lazy.
    In conclusion I would say that this is a pointless purchase if you want the story of the life, career and motivations of Erich Hartmann. But if you want a dry grad-school thesis then go right ahead.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Carlos Priego
    1.0 out of 5 stars Absolute waste of time.
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    You start very excited about probably learning something new about thelis fighter ace.
    Then you realize: An absolute misleading title.
    It spends more than a third of the book discussing and cursing the Nazis rise to power and government, criticizing his first biographers and trying to make you feel guilt (a sort if criminal collaborationist) for admiring german veterans.
    A sorry try to convince the reader in why you should not praise german combatants and their memorabilia. A sort of personal hate...
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  • kstk
    1.0 out of 5 stars Not much about Hartmann
    Reviewed in Spain on February 9, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    The Author leverage's Hartmann topic, to write his thoughs and opinions over several WW2 topics and about other Authors books.
    It surprised me how little about Hartmann is contained in this book.
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  • C. T.
    1.0 out of 5 stars More like a psychology thesis
    Reviewed in Canada on April 20, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Not at all what I was expecting - spends more time on the social / psychological background of Germany than actually dealing with Hartman. Definitely would not recommend - would give it a 0 star rating if I could.
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  • TDan
    1.0 out of 5 stars Totally mis-sold
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 10, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    If you are looking for a book about Germany's top fighter ace, don't buy this as it's NOT a book about Erich Hartmann.
    The book is a poorly researched thesis on the influence of National Socialism in which Erich Hartmann appears as a minor consideration to justify the publisher's sales hype. His entire wartime career as a fighter ace is reduced to probably no more than around a dozen pages whilst the rest of the book wallows in the authors largely irrelevant theories regarding the influence of Nazism on the German population.
    The book also only includes three or four stock photos of WW2 aircraft plus a couple of illustrations.
    Waste of money especially when you consider the high price for just over 200 pages. Don't buy this book, it's being totally mis-sold, you can learn far more about Erich Hartmann on Wikipedia, something the author obviously didn't bother doing.
    I'm not one who throws away books, but this one went straight in the bin after I had finished reading it.
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