This book documents the seemingly spontaneous development of the 'Free Corps' movement from the ashes of the Imperial German Army after the 1918 armistice. Large numbers of former officers and soldiers – often from elite units – gathered into 'private armies' and were equipped with weapons and gear.

Led by highly resolute and often distinguished commanders, these 'Freikorps' fought both against Communists at home and Polish forces on the borders with notable success, establishing a nationalist myth. Many of them continued serving in the new Reichswehr, and later in the SA and SS.