The SS Officer's ArmchairA historical detective story and a gripping account of one historian's hunt for answers as he delves into the surprising life of an ordinary Nazi officer. The gripping account of one historian's hunt for answers as he delves into the surprising life of an ordinary Nazi officer. Totally exhilarating Philippe Sands It began with an armchair. It began with the surprise discovery of a stash of personal documents covered in swastikas sewn into its cushion.