Bismarck

At the peak of his eminence, Otto von Bismarck, the statesman who created a unified Germany and who dominated world politics in the closing decades of the nineteenth century, was regarded as a legend rather than an individual.

This comprehensive biography attempts to dissect the myth and find the man behind the mask, to delineate Bismarck’s formidably complex personality.

Alan Palmer traces Bismarck’s early life, his diplomatic and political career, and his phenomenal rise from obscure Junker landowner to the most powerful king’s servant since Richelieu.

Palmer includes many important extracts from Bismarck’s letters, public and private, and the results of recent research.

‘Alan Palmer writes the sort of history that dons did before “accessible” became an insult...Cool, rational, scholarly, literate.’ – Sir John Keegan.

Alan Palmer was head of the History Department at Highgate School from 1953 to 1969 when he gave up his post to concentrate on historical writing and research. His many books include ‘Victory 1918’; ‘The Kaiser’ and ‘Napoleon and Marie Louise’.

Endeavour Press is the UK’s leading independent publisher of digital books.