Bismarck:A Life

A Life

Nonfiction, History, Military, World War I, Modern, 20th Century
Cover of the book Bismarck:A Life by Jonathan Steinberg, Oxford University Press, USA
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jonathan Steinberg ISBN: 9780199845439
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Publication: February 17, 2011
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Jonathan Steinberg
ISBN: 9780199845439
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Publication: February 17, 2011
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

This riveting, New York Times bestselling biography illuminates the life of Otto von Bismarck, the statesman who unified Germany but who also embodied everything brutal and ruthless about Prussian culture. Jonathan Steinberg draws heavily on contemporary writings, allowing Bismarck's friends and foes to tell the story. What rises from these pages is a complex giant of a man: a hypochondriac with the constitution of an ox, a brutal tyrant who could easily shed tears, a convert to an extreme form of evangelical Protestantism who secularized schools and introduced civil divorce. Bismarck may have been in sheer ability the most intelligent man to direct a great state in modern times. His brilliance and insight dazzled his contemporaries. But all agreed there was also something demonic, diabolical, overwhelming, beyond human attributes, in Bismarck's personality. He was a kind of malign genius who, behind the various postures, concealed an ice-cold contempt for his fellow human beings and a drive to control and rule them. As one contemporary noted: "the Bismarck regime was a constant orgy of scorn and abuse of mankind, collectively and individually." In this comprehensive and expansive biography--a brilliant study in power--Jonathan Steinberg brings Bismarck to life, revealing the stark contrast between the "Iron Chancellor's" unmatched political skills and his profoundly flawed human character.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

This riveting, New York Times bestselling biography illuminates the life of Otto von Bismarck, the statesman who unified Germany but who also embodied everything brutal and ruthless about Prussian culture. Jonathan Steinberg draws heavily on contemporary writings, allowing Bismarck's friends and foes to tell the story. What rises from these pages is a complex giant of a man: a hypochondriac with the constitution of an ox, a brutal tyrant who could easily shed tears, a convert to an extreme form of evangelical Protestantism who secularized schools and introduced civil divorce. Bismarck may have been in sheer ability the most intelligent man to direct a great state in modern times. His brilliance and insight dazzled his contemporaries. But all agreed there was also something demonic, diabolical, overwhelming, beyond human attributes, in Bismarck's personality. He was a kind of malign genius who, behind the various postures, concealed an ice-cold contempt for his fellow human beings and a drive to control and rule them. As one contemporary noted: "the Bismarck regime was a constant orgy of scorn and abuse of mankind, collectively and individually." In this comprehensive and expansive biography--a brilliant study in power--Jonathan Steinberg brings Bismarck to life, revealing the stark contrast between the "Iron Chancellor's" unmatched political skills and his profoundly flawed human character.

More books from Oxford University Press, USA

Cover of the book Rebels Rising : Cities and the American Revolution by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Seven Myths of the Spanish Conquest by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Memoirs of a Militia Sergeant by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Klansville, U.S.A:The Rise and Fall of the Civil Rights-era Ku Klux Klan by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book The Throne of Adulis: Red Sea Wars on the Eve of Islam by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Into The Silent Land : A Guide To The Christian Practice Of Contemplation by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Lincoln And His Admirals by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book In The Footsteps Of The Prophet : Lessons From The Life Of Muhammad by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Social Entrepreneurship:What Everyone Needs to Know by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Real Enemies : Conspiracy Theories And American Democracy, World War I To 9/11 by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book The Great Wave : Price Revolutions And The Rhythm Of History by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Away Down South : A History of Southern Identity by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book The Conscious Mind : In Search of a Fundamental Theory by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book The Ottoman Age Of Exploration by Jonathan Steinberg
Cover of the book Sex And The Soul : Juggling Sexuality, Spirituality, Romance, And Religion On America's College Campuses by Jonathan Steinberg
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy