Frederick the Great (1712-86) is one of the most successful and controversial European monarchs. He became King of Prussia at the age of 29, which he went on to weld into one of the most formidable powers of Europe. He created a Royal Court that was the envy of Europe, surrounding himself with intellectuals, musicians, artists, philosophers, and in many ways he was the embodiment of the enlightened monarch of the 18th century. He abolished physical punishment, he was the architect of his houses and several public ...
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Frederick the Great (1712-86) is one of the most successful and controversial European monarchs. He became King of Prussia at the age of 29, which he went on to weld into one of the most formidable powers of Europe. He created a Royal Court that was the envy of Europe, surrounding himself with intellectuals, musicians, artists, philosophers, and in many ways he was the embodiment of the enlightened monarch of the 18th century. He abolished physical punishment, he was the architect of his houses and several public buildings in Potsdam, he dabbled in musical composition, and was a brave and much-feared soldier. Admired and idolized in the 19th century, the defeat of the Germans after 1918 marked a downturn in his reputation with the creation of the bugbear of Prussian militarism: Frederick the Great was now seen as its founding father. In the Second World War he became the 'Potsdam Fuhrer', the evil progenitor of Adolf Hitler - who kept a portrait of Frederick above his desk and had Goebbels read him extracts from Carlyle's biography of Frederick. In this authoritative biography MacDonogh examines Frederick's life in the round, unlike his two most recent biographers who concentrated on his military endeavours. For the first time his tortured private life and sexuality (Voltaire, whose Candide is based on Frederick's court, spread stories of his predilection for young soldiers) are thoroughly explored. Using many unpublished papers, which MacDonogh is the first biographer to see, family archives and diaries, he provides a fresh assessment of this remarkable man and his times, revealing a far more subtle and complex personality than that portrayed in previous accounts.
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Very Good. Very Good Jacket. Size: 6x2x9; Previous owner's ink inscription. Posted within 1 working day. 1st class tracked post to the UK, Airmail tracked worldwide. Robust recyclable packaging.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. Book Contains Highlighter Markings. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 900grams, ISBN: 9780312253189.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
