AUTHORS NOTE: Dedicated to the 300th birthday of Frederick the
Great, this book presents one of the most elusive and controversial
rulers of the 18th century, subjected to myriad glories and
legends, and whose personality requires a few more centuries to
duke it out what kind of combat or person he was. Since German
unification under the Great Elector, Frederick II has been unfairly
seen as the root of militarist Germany that dominated Europe during
the First and Second World Wars. Most biographies focus heavily on
the rehabilitation of his reputation that was already overshadowed
by Napoleon Bonaparte. But the consistency of his character makes
it plain that Frederick II was a military genius, who could lead
troops from the front in the thick of the battles, losing horses
under him, loosing Generals, and still fearlessly moving forward
with bullet wholes through his collar. Frederick II was a
self-styled philosopher, a classed "monarch-enluminator," whose
domestic reforms and expansions made Prussia an iron kingdom,
doubling its holdings. He was Voltaires pen-pal. He admired
Voltaire, argued with him, and brain-stormed him. This book also
describes the King's passion of poetry, his correspondence with
Voltaire, treatment of military and diplomatic causes, warfare,
state-society nexus, and ardent sense for art and music. He had
composed 121 flute sonatas, 4 concertos, areas, a symphony, and an
overture. He wrote the treatise "Anti-Machiavel." He sketched and
designed his resort Sanssouci in Potsdam, the grand palace and
parks, the opulent equivalents to the Chateau de Versailles, and
the European prototype of todays Epcot. Seen as a despot and
nobleman at the same time, Frederick was a fascinating character
for his rivals. In all complexities of that extraordinary spirit,
one thing at least is certain; that spirit, whether it was
admirable to some, or odious to others, was moved by a terrific
force.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
