Subject
Frederick II, King of Prussia, 1712-1786 Books
Best books
William Fiddian Reddaway
Frederick the Great and the Rise of Prussia
"Frederick the Great and the Rise of Prussia" by William Fiddian Reddaway is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work provides a detailed examination of the life of Frederick the Great, focusing on his role in the transformation of Prussia from a fragmented collection of territories to a powerful state under his rule. The book likely explores themes of leadership, military strategy, and the broader context of European politics during Frederick's reign. The opening of the text introduces the author's intent to outline Frederick the Great’s life and achievements as well as their connection to the rise of Prussia, drawing upon a wide array of primary and secondary sources for a thorough narrative. Reddaway discusses the historical backstory of the Hohenzollern family and outlines the circumstances Frederick inherited, including the socio-political climate of the time. It sets the stage for understanding Frederick's ambitions, the complex familial ties, and the legacy of his predecessors, particularly as they impacted the governance and military might that would define Prussia in the years to come.
John S. C. (John Stevens Cabot) Abbott
History of Frederick the Second, Called Frederick the Great.
"History of Frederick the Second, Called Frederick the Great" by John S. C. Abbott is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the life and reign of Frederick the Great, providing insights into his character, policies, and the era in which he lived. It is likely to cover various themes, including his complex relationships with his family, particularly his father, and his military strategies that shaped Prussia's future. The opening of the narrative sets the stage by discussing the origins of the Prussian monarchy and the early life of Frederick the Great, whose real name was Frederick Charles. It traces the lineage of Frederick William, Frederick the Great's father, and illustrates the harsh and demanding upbringing that shaped his character. The writing emphasizes the conflict between the father's sternness and Frederick's more artistic and sensitive nature, foreshadowing the struggles that will define Frederick's reign. Abbott's portrayal of the early royal family also hints at the tragic and often brutal atmosphere of the court that would greatly influence Frederick's development.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 20" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a monumental six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This volume continues Carlyle's epic chronicle of Frederick the Great, a work born from decades of fascination and thirteen years of laborious research. Through vivid narrative, wit, and moral insight, Carlyle brings Prussia's warrior-king to life. The Scottish historian's masterwork, written in his specially built soundproof study, transforms historical figures from "dolls stuffed with bran" into flesh-and-blood characters that bleed when pricked.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 18" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great, from his early years through his military campaigns and reign as King of Prussia. Carlyle devoted thirteen years to researching and writing this epic, touring German battlefields and studying extensive source materials. The result was hailed as a masterwork of literary genius—a vivid, witty portrait that brought historical figures to life with unprecedented realism and moral insight.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 21
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 21" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great, Prussian king and military commander. Carlyle devoted thirteen years to researching and writing this epic history, traveling twice to Germany to study battlefields and source materials. The result was celebrated as a masterwork of literary genius—praised for its vivid character portraits, battle narratives, and moral judgment, blending historical scholarship with Carlyle's distinctive wit and philosophical insight.
Ferdinand Schrader
Frederick the Great and the Seven Years' War
"Frederick the Great and the Seven Years' War" by Ferdinand Schrader is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book focuses on the life of Frederick the Great during a pivotal period of his reign—the Seven Years' War—which significantly impacted both Prussia and Austria’s place in European politics. It highlights the military strategies employed by Frederick, his battles, and the sociopolitical context of the time. The beginning of the account sets the stage for the Seven Years' War, describing the aftermath of conflict that had left Germany in a state of ruin. It introduces Frederick as a formidable leader who must confront a coalition of enemies including Austria and its allies—Russia, France, and others—intent on regaining Silesia, which Frederick had previously seized. General plans for invasion are detailed, along with Frederick's quick actions to bolster his defenses. This opening portion paints a portrait of a determined king facing overwhelming odds, establishing the intense backdrop against which the ensuing battles will unfold.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 03
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 03" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great of Prussia, a project that consumed thirteen years of Carlyle's life. The Scottish historian immersed himself in exhaustive research, touring German battlefields and accessing numerous archives to capture Frederick's character as author, soldier, king, and man. Volume 03 continues this epic portrait, blending vivid narrative with moral judgment and historical insight.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 16" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, drawn from thirteen years of exhaustive research across German battlefields and archives. Carlyle transforms historical figures into vivid, breathing characters through his distinctive blend of wit, humor, and moral insight. The work became celebrated for its dramatic battle scenes and penetrating character studies, earning praise as a supreme achievement of literary genius.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 01
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 01" by Thomas Carlyle is a biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental six-volume work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great of Prussia, a project that consumed thirteen years of Carlyle's life. Born from a fascination that began in 1819, the Scottish historian embarked on exhaustive research, toured German battlefields, and even built a soundproof writing room to complete this ambitious undertaking. The result became one of his most celebrated works, praised for its wit, vivid characterization, and literary genius.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 04" by Thomas Carlyle is a biographical work published between 1858 and 1865. This volume forms part of Carlyle's monumental six-volume biography of Frederick the Great, a project that consumed thirteen years of the author's life. Born from Carlyle's decades-long fascination with the Prussian king, the work emerged through painstaking research, trips to German battlefields, and collaboration with numerous assistants. Praised by contemporaries as a masterpiece of literary genius, it blends historical narrative with Carlyle's distinctive wit, vivid characterization, and moral insight.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 07
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 07" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great, examining him as author, soldier, king, and man. Carlyle spent thirteen years researching and writing this history, touring German battlefields and amassing extensive source materials. The result captivated readers with its vivid characterizations, wit, and narrative power, earning praise from luminaries who called it a supreme work of literary genius.
Thomas Carlyle
History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 19
"History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 19" by Thomas Carlyle is part of a six-volume biography published between 1858 and 1865. This monumental work chronicles the life of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia, born from Carlyle's decades-long fascination with his subject. The Scottish historian devoted thirteen laborious years to the project, traveling twice to Germany, studying battlefields, and working through immense source materials. Contemporary critics praised it as supremely witty, morally penetrating, and filled with vivid characters that seem to bleed with life—a testament to literary genius.
Recently surfaced classics