Information Lot: Michael Booker, a passionate historian and...

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Michael Booker, a passionate historian and collector, grew up in London’s East End during the tumultuous years of the Blitz. His deep fascination with WWII, particularly the legendary Colditz Castle and its wartime history, began early and evolved into a lifelong pursuit. Over more than forty years, Michael painstakingly assembled one of the most significant private collections of Colditz memorabilia and historical artifacts in existence. His expertise and commitment to preserving this extraordinary chapter of history led him, in 1991, to co-found the Colditz Society—a group dedicated to researching, preserving, and sharing the stories of the infamous POW camp.

Michael's collection was once showcased to the public in a landmark exhibition. In 1974, the Imperial War Museum in London displayed his remarkable Colditz artifacts for several months, attracting over a quarter of a million visitors. This unprecedented public interest underscored the significance of his collection. Additionally, Michael's expertise earned him a role as an advisor for the acclaimed BBC Colditz TV series, further cementing his reputation as a leading authority on the subject.

In 2005, drawing on his vast collection and personal knowledge, Michael published Collecting Colditz and its Secrets. This seminal work combines his unique access to historical artifacts with personal accounts from veterans, providing an in-depth exploration of the camp's history. The book delves into the daring escape attempts made by well-known prisoners of war such as Major Pat Reid, Sir Douglas Bader, and others, bringing to life the resourcefulness and determination of those held in Colditz. Through his research and collection, Michael became a trusted custodian of their stories, preserving this critical piece of WWII history for future generations.

The collection featured in this auction offers an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and historians alike. It includes a treasure trove of never-before-seen items: photographs, letters, and personal artifacts handed down to Michael by former POWs and service members. Among these are intimate pieces of history, such as signed books from those who lived through the Colditz experience. Beyond personal memorabilia, the collection also includes rare posters, autographs, and behind-the-scenes photos from the 1955 film The Colditz Story, which starred John Mills and Eric Portman, as well as from the beloved 1972-74 BBC television drama Colditz, featuring David McCallum and Robert Wagner.

What sets this collection apart is its breadth and the personal connections woven throughout. Many of the items reflect Michael’s close relationships with veterans and their families, and some have remained in private hands, unseen by the public until now. With such rich provenance, this auction presents not just an opportunity to own pieces of historical significance but to engage with the remarkable stories behind them. For collectors, historians, and anyone captivated by the enduring legacy of Colditz or the Second World War, this is a rare chance to acquire items from one of the most respected and comprehensive collections ever assembled.