Description
Book SynopsisWITH AN INTRODUCTION BY KATE WILLIAMS
Frederick II of Prussia attempted to escape his authoritarian father as a boy, but went on to become one of history''s greatest rulers. He loved the flute, and devoted hours of study to the arts and French literature, forming a long-lasting but turbulent friendship with Voltaire. He was a military genius and enlarged the borders of his empire, but he also promoted religious tolerance, economic reform and laid the foundation for a united Germany. Nancy Mitford brings all these contradictions and achievements to sparkling life in an fascinating, intimate biography.
Trade ReviewHe is everything I like, brave, funny, no nonsense, marvellous taste, common sense, interested in everything -- Nancy Mitford on Frederick II of Prussia
The unmistakable Mitford trill, in whose light, bright cadences an entire hard-to-shock and easy-to-bore view of life is made manifest -- Zoe Heller * Daily Telegraph *
Elegant and entertaining * Chicago Tribune *
Witty and atmospheric * Sunday Times *
[Her books] have the air of having been talked on to the page, in a voice as direct and intimate and clear as a child's -- Laura Thompson * Daily Telegraph *
