Frederick the Great: A Military History

Frederick the Great is one of history’s most controversial leaders. Famed for his military successes and domestic reforms, his campaigns were a watershed in the history of Europe, securing Prussia’s place as a continental power and inaugurating a new pattern of total war that was to endure until 1916. However, much myth surrounds this enigmatic man, his personality and his role as politician, warrior and king. Showalter’s cleverly written book provides a multi-dimensional depiction of Frederick the Great and an objective, detailed reappraisal of his military, political and social achievements. Early chapters set the scene with an excellent summary of 18th century Europe - The Age of Reason; an analysis of the character, composition and operating procedures of the Prussian army; and explore Frederick’s personality as a young man. Later chapters examine his stunning victories at Rossbach and Leuthen, his defeats at Prague and Kolin, and Prussia’s emergence as a key European power. Impeccably researched and written with style and pace, this book offers important insights into the turbulent history of 18th century Europe and a first-class analysis of one history’s most famous rulers. AUTHOR: Dennis E. Showalter is a professor emeritus of history at Colorado College. He is a specialist in German military history with a catalogue of books which range from this study of Frederick the Great to the Battle Kursk. He has received numerous awards, including the 1992 Paul M. Birdsall Prize for best new book given by the American Historical Association, the 2005 Samuel Eliot Morison Prize for lifetime achievement given by the Society for Military History, and the 2018 Pritzker Literature Award.