Since its publication in 1983, Theodor Schieder’s study has been recognised as the most distinguished modern study of Prussia’s mostfamous King and a leading figure of the eighteenth century.This abbreviated translation provides the first comprehensive scholarly treatment in English published since 1975.Less a chronological biography than a series of incisive essays on aspects of Frederick’s life and reign, it throws new and penetrating light on many aspects of Frederick’s Prussia: its wars, foreign policy and social and administrative structures. Schieder’s interpretation is built up piece by piece and turns on his view of the impact of ideas upon a towering historical personality. This will become the most widely used study of a crucial reign.The authorThe late Theodor Scheider (1908-1984) was one of the leading West German historians and historical theorists of the generation after the Second World War. He was editor of the journal, the Historische Zeitschrift from 1957 onwards; Chairman of the German Historical Association (1967 - 72) and taught principally at the Universities of Cologne and Munich.This English version has been translated and edited by Sabina Berkeley and H M Scott.