- Hardcover: 800 pages
- Publisher: Allen Lane; 1 edition (Aug 29 2006)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0713994665
- ISBN-13: 978-0713994667
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 16.2 x 5.2 cm
- Shipping Weight: 1.4 Kg
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #442,607 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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Product Details |
Product Description
Product Description
With its capital in Berlin, Prussia grew from being a small, poor, disregarded medieval state into one of the most vigorous and powerful countries in Europe, the scourge of its many enemies and, ultimately, the motor behind the creation of the German Empire in 1871 with all that implied for the 20th century. After the Second World War Prussia, which had still continued to exist as part of the German state, was abolished by the Allies, blamed for the overwhelming militarism that had led Europe into total disaster. Prussia's role in Europe's fortunes has been incalculable and "Iron Kingdom" is, extraordinarily, the first major book devoted to it. Prussia's power came from a sequence of notably brilliant rulers (most famously Frederick the Great), dynastic marriage and an obsessive focus on military excellence. It was both a progressive, well-run, enlightened country and a huge, threatening barracks. "Iron Kingdom" is a wonderfully readable, gripping account of a state which, for both good and ill, has fundamentally shaped our world.
About the Author
Christopher Clark Lecturer in Modern European History at St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge University. His previous book was a biography of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
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Most helpful customer reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
The History of "Blood and Iron",
By
This review is from: Iron Kingdom (Hardcover)
"Iron Kingdom" by Christopher Clark details the history of the Prussian State, from its humble begging's as the Mark of Brandenburg to the military Powerhouse that forged a unified Germany and its ultimate dismantling by the allies after the Second World War. The original importance of Brandenburg was not geographic as it was an "uncultivated region of sand and bogs", but political, the margrave of Brandenburg was endowed with the prestigious honour of being a prince-elector of the Holy Roman Emperor. Through dynastic and diplomatic intrigue combined with bold action Prussia soon became a great power of Europe and the leading German state. But this road to ascendency was a very bumpy one with recurring themes such as religious division and constitutional crisis.Clark`s history of Prussia is more of a comprehensive survey than a narrative, which explores the political, cultural, religious, economic and societal aspects of Prussian life. Clark's strength is his ability to animate the important figures of history and their motivations and intended goals, the great elector, Fredrick the "Great/unique", Bismarck and a host of others are all discussed with depth and complexity. Dry topics like Pietism and agrarian reforms are made readable by Clark's ability to put the information in a context that shows the drama that would have unfolded with its corresponding importance. However military engagements are only adequately presented, but the diplomatic dealing that accompany the battles are the highlight of the book for me. While the book covers a broad area of topics, the author tends to only focus on Prussia, which unfortunately meant key events of German history such as the dissolution of the HRE are given only brief mention. I thought the weakest chapters were after Germany had united, because as mentioned above the author focuses to closely on Prussia and events with German consequences, such as the Moroccan crisis are only mention in passing, but it must be remembered that this is a history of Prussia not Germany. Another area lacking insight was Prussia's colonial endeavours. Of course my complaints with this book are minor and the natural outcomes of a very ambitious project that did exceed my expectations. A quick glance at the bibliography shows that extensive research was put into this book, which is confirmed by the level of detail and personal accounts provided. If you have an interest in Central European or German history pre WW1, this is a great resource to have. A comprehensive history of Prussia (in English) has been a long time coming and "Iron Kingdom" fulfills that need.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Rigid History Re-Explored,
By
This review is from: Iron Kingdom (Paperback)
It is hard to believe that in 1947 the Allies signed a law abolishing the state of Prussia. It like imposing a similar ban on Texas. However, this longstanding bearer of militarism became a handy target and a scapegoat for both Germany and the Allies following WW2. A direct association was made with Hitler as an 'elective Prussian' in his mentality and the state was directly implicated based on the following: "habits of authoritarianism, servility, and obedience prepared the ground for the collapse of democracy and the advent of dictatorship."The author balances the ledger by highlighting Prussia's incorruptible civil service, tolerance to religious minorities, and an enviable code of law. And he points out that contrary to stereotypes and generalities, the state worked hard at being relevant. However, many Germans found it synonymous with conquest, rigidity, and illiberality which the author attempts to combat with the argument, "The core and essence of the Prussian tradition was an absence of tradition." There is clearly a disconnect between the assumed perception and the historic reality. Clark takes his time presenting the latter through a detailed review of the Prussian state. He attempts to explain Junker feudal priviledge but fails to remove the airs of superiority and entitlement it exuded. The book's pace picked up significantly in the mid-1850's and I was interested in the author's take on Hindenburg as a "man of image, manipulation and betrayal." Clark concludes that "Prussia" and it's ideals had become so abstract, that it's very definition was "up for grabs". Then when it had found itself on the other side of freedom, a value from it's origins, it became a convenient target to eliminate as a "mental construct" so that German imagination could "deprussianize".
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating and revealing read,
By
This review is from: Iron Kingdom (Paperback)
Read this if you want the big picture on Prussia and Germany and how all the pieces fit together up to and including WWII. Christopher Clark writes well - this is a fairly hefty volume, given it covers 350 years or thereabouts, but Clark's writing keeps it from getting too dry.Prussia was a messy and complicated construct, in some ways better and in some ways worse than its contemporaries. Clark suggests that the unification of Germany with Prussia was Prussia's undoing, and the way its presented here that thesis is fairly convincing. The construct of Prussia became a useful scapegoat to destroy and bury in an effort to leave Nazism behind, but Clark demonstrates that the links between Nazism and Prussianism are more perceived than real.
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