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Bismarck
The awesome figure of Otto von Bismarck, the 'Iron Chancellor', dominated Europe in the late 19th century. His legendary political genius and ruthless will engineered Prussia's stunning defeat of the Austrian Empire and, in 1871, led to his most dazzling achievement - the defeat of France and the unification of Germany.In this highly acclaimed biography Edward Crankshaw provides a perceptive look at the career of the First Reich's mighty founder - at his brilliant abilities and severe limitations and at the people who granted him the power to transform the shape and destiny of Europe.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
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June 16, 2023
Edward Crankshaw's Bismarck is an unremittingly negative portrait of the Iron Chancellor, who engineered the unification of Germany and its place as continental Europe's predominant power. Crankshaw skims over Bismarck's early life as a footloose Prussian nobleman, spending a few pages on his marriage and amorous affairs but not probing deeply into the development of his psyche. By middle age Bismarck was already an accomplished diplomat and statesman with a vision of turning the loose German Confederation of the mid-19th Century into a powerful nation-state, under Prussian guidance. Crankshaw proves most engaging when exploring Bismarck's deviously brilliant diplomacy in arranging the Wars of Unification, goading Denmark, Austria and France into ill-considered wars that redounded to Germany's (and Bismarck's) benefit. Indeed, this is the only lens through which Crankshaw can view Bismarck; a combination of Machiavelli and Moriarty, moving chess pieces around the European board with no concern for morality, the needs of his people or the stability of Europe. Crankshaw is so busy excoriating the Chancellor's "patriotic egotism" and "very black heart" that he spends little time probing the broader emergence of German nationalism, or how much Deutsche Einigung was hardly a reactionary project; indeed, it was in large part inspired and popularized by the very progressives Bismarck despised. Similarly, if his accounts of Bismarck's diplomacy and warmaking are vivid (though one-sided), he can only view Bismarck's domestic policies as an authoritarian shell-game. That Bismarck instituted liberal reforms as Chancellor to defang his socialist adversaries speaks to a shrewd, canny if cynical statesman; Crankshaw has no interest in exploring either the effects or implication of this, preferring to describe Bismarck as a villain to the end, his legacy an uncontrollable, self-absorbed German nationalism that inevitably led to Hitler. It's a weird combination of the old sonderweg and Great Man approaches to history; Crankshaw is persuasive in some regards, but too stridently one-note in his overall portrait. Perhaps those who've only read hagiographies of Bismarck will find this volume refreshing; those with a better understanding of German history should approach with caution, if at all.
November 20, 2020
This is a narrowly focused biography. One learns very little of Bismarck's personal life, his marriage, his family, his friendships, his avocations, and quite a lot of his political behavior, first in coming to power, then in employing it.
Crankshaw makes no attempt to be objectively neutral. While he regards his subject as something of a genius, he also regards him as a moral monster. According to Crankshaw, although he does not use the term, Bismarck was a narcissist. Ostensibly his aim was to strengthen Prussia, create a united Germany dominated by Prussia and then maintain this as a new European status quo. In the course of this project he would employ all methods, including three unnecessary wars (against Denmark, Austria-Hungary and France), and even progressive social legislation in order to undercut the socialists. But all of this, according to Crankshaw, was for personal self-aggrandizement, not for Prussia, not for Germany, not for European peace, not for the lower classes. Indeed, according to the author, Bismarck despised Prussia and the Germans.
A lot of the argument here is directed against conventional scholarship. Not being expert in the field, the nuances probably escaped me. Frankly, this book was a bit beyond me although I did appreciate learning more about the politics of Bismarck's three wars. In any case, this book, while not for everyone, should be of interest to those more accomplished than myself.
Crankshaw makes no attempt to be objectively neutral. While he regards his subject as something of a genius, he also regards him as a moral monster. According to Crankshaw, although he does not use the term, Bismarck was a narcissist. Ostensibly his aim was to strengthen Prussia, create a united Germany dominated by Prussia and then maintain this as a new European status quo. In the course of this project he would employ all methods, including three unnecessary wars (against Denmark, Austria-Hungary and France), and even progressive social legislation in order to undercut the socialists. But all of this, according to Crankshaw, was for personal self-aggrandizement, not for Prussia, not for Germany, not for European peace, not for the lower classes. Indeed, according to the author, Bismarck despised Prussia and the Germans.
A lot of the argument here is directed against conventional scholarship. Not being expert in the field, the nuances probably escaped me. Frankly, this book was a bit beyond me although I did appreciate learning more about the politics of Bismarck's three wars. In any case, this book, while not for everyone, should be of interest to those more accomplished than myself.
December 5, 2015
I initially had a hard time getting past Crankshaw's uninhibited attempt to focus on the negative qualities of Bismarck and his form of paranoid diplomacy. Most of the time I tend to appreciate more objective points of view that don't have such an overt agenda to them. But by the time I finished I was beginning to understand Crankshaw's point of view. He makes a very good case that:
1. Bismarck was a fantastic tactical opportunist, specially when he had clear goals in place. He flourished most during conflict and chaos.
2. Bismarck was not a big picture strategist, and often did not plan his outcomes. Bismarck preferred to play things by ear, exploited waiting and patience games, and orchestrated difficult scenarios without always knowing how they would develop because he could rely on his own ability to perform as an opportunist.
At times it almost seemed like Crankshaw attributed all of Bismarck's success to pure luck and circumstance. But it becomes clear as he walks through his career that when Bismarck had clear goals (war with Austria, expansion of Prussian power, German unification) he made them happen - mostly through the use of paranoid dealings and negative behavior. Once all of his major goals had been achieved, Bismarck spent all his time jockeying for position against the other powers with no real objective other than maintaining Germany's position in the concert.
I wouldn't recommend this for an objective point of view, or to learn about the unification of Germany. This book's sole purpose is to provide a counter narrative against all of the praise that Bismarck gets for being an orchestrator of peace in Europe. Instead Crankshaw offers that he sowed only discord, and for his own purposes.
1. Bismarck was a fantastic tactical opportunist, specially when he had clear goals in place. He flourished most during conflict and chaos.
2. Bismarck was not a big picture strategist, and often did not plan his outcomes. Bismarck preferred to play things by ear, exploited waiting and patience games, and orchestrated difficult scenarios without always knowing how they would develop because he could rely on his own ability to perform as an opportunist.
At times it almost seemed like Crankshaw attributed all of Bismarck's success to pure luck and circumstance. But it becomes clear as he walks through his career that when Bismarck had clear goals (war with Austria, expansion of Prussian power, German unification) he made them happen - mostly through the use of paranoid dealings and negative behavior. Once all of his major goals had been achieved, Bismarck spent all his time jockeying for position against the other powers with no real objective other than maintaining Germany's position in the concert.
I wouldn't recommend this for an objective point of view, or to learn about the unification of Germany. This book's sole purpose is to provide a counter narrative against all of the praise that Bismarck gets for being an orchestrator of peace in Europe. Instead Crankshaw offers that he sowed only discord, and for his own purposes.
December 14, 2015
"Bismarck" by Edward Crankshaw does exactly what the title says. It tells you about the person Otto von Bismarck - from birth to death.
E.C. portrays Bismarck as one of the main, if not the central actor in European and world politics during the 1800:s. That he virtually shaped the map of Europe according to his own machinations. Having said that, this era is a time I am just starting to learn more about, therefore I do not have any prior knowledge to compare to.
As a person, Bismarck is depicted as a hard-headed know-it-all, bordering on tyrannical. Completely convinced in the correctness of his own cause. Although without the messianic overtones which for instance Hitler shrouded himself in.
E.C. mentions several myths and (according to himself) misconceptions about Bismarck. He also tones down the inevitable hero-worship of this great historical personage. He mentions more than once for instance the fact that some actions were most likely lucky mistakes that lead to some of Bismarck's successes. He also reminds the reader about the uncertainties Bismarck had to live with while pursuing his vision - the conviction needed to stick to his plan of action as events unfolded, with no guarantee they would become the historical facts we read about today.
An interesting conclusion to the book, was that Bismarck created Germany in such a way that he was a major cause for both World Wars in the following Century. That is, if you subscribe to the notion that WWII could not have happened if not WWI occurred.
I give the book 3 stars, but to a person interested in this person and era, it is a highly recommendable book and worth 4. The reason I am of two minds, is that it was a bit too rich in detail and facts.
E.C. portrays Bismarck as one of the main, if not the central actor in European and world politics during the 1800:s. That he virtually shaped the map of Europe according to his own machinations. Having said that, this era is a time I am just starting to learn more about, therefore I do not have any prior knowledge to compare to.
As a person, Bismarck is depicted as a hard-headed know-it-all, bordering on tyrannical. Completely convinced in the correctness of his own cause. Although without the messianic overtones which for instance Hitler shrouded himself in.
E.C. mentions several myths and (according to himself) misconceptions about Bismarck. He also tones down the inevitable hero-worship of this great historical personage. He mentions more than once for instance the fact that some actions were most likely lucky mistakes that lead to some of Bismarck's successes. He also reminds the reader about the uncertainties Bismarck had to live with while pursuing his vision - the conviction needed to stick to his plan of action as events unfolded, with no guarantee they would become the historical facts we read about today.
An interesting conclusion to the book, was that Bismarck created Germany in such a way that he was a major cause for both World Wars in the following Century. That is, if you subscribe to the notion that WWII could not have happened if not WWI occurred.
I give the book 3 stars, but to a person interested in this person and era, it is a highly recommendable book and worth 4. The reason I am of two minds, is that it was a bit too rich in detail and facts.
January 19, 2016
This book was my first biography on Bismarck and I'd recommend starting somewhere else to get a more in-depth and balanced view of the German chancellor. Crankshaw is an engaging writer and he acidly tears away any of the myth and hagiography surrounding Bismarck. He goes too far in blaming Bismarck for every evil in the Germany he unified (from the militarism to even the collapse of the economy following a industrialization boom) and even for every challenge, skirmish, war, etc. throughout Europe. Crankshaw says that Bismarck's contemporaries were practicants of self-interested, amoral realpolitik, but that Bismarck was in a class by himself because he was completely uninhibited by any scruples. Sometimes the book reads like a hatchet job. I suspect that Crankshaw's antipathy toward Bismarck is rooted in his Englishness: Germany sank Europe into two destructive wars that imperiled England and Bismarck can lay claim to having founded the nation that was capable of these terrible acts. Read this book once you have a good grasp of Bismarck's life and accomplishments and want a counter view.
April 20, 2015
To me a really good biographer is a great story-teller not just an erudite researcher or comprehensive reciter of facts. Crankshaw is all of these as this wonderfully comprehensive portrait has sweep and verve and while he never divorces himself from his subject in relating events and drawing conclusions, his style and patter is engaging. One of the great revelatory joys of this work is that in addition to the expected picture of a noble, stolid, iron-willed, powerful statesman and diplomat is the rounding out of his persona. Here, also, is a warm, loving, caring father and husband; a deeply religious man and a poet who liked nothing better than to escape to the countryside and float down a moonlit river, staring up at the stars framed by the dark outlines of the surrounding hills. He was also sneaky, conniving, lying, distrustful, choosing his loyalties as they befitted his purposes. Truly a multifaceted, pivot figure.
A totally absorbing, critical work.
A totally absorbing, critical work.
November 5, 2016
Interesting to get an outside view on one of my home country's most important political figures.
I thin the author portrays Bismarck very one sided but he makes a good point of it. Would have been a truly great biography if he had included some more balanced points as well because especially in the last chapters you get the impression he only includes details to fundament his points from before.
Nevertheless, an interesting book on an interesting man.
I thin the author portrays Bismarck very one sided but he makes a good point of it. Would have been a truly great biography if he had included some more balanced points as well because especially in the last chapters you get the impression he only includes details to fundament his points from before.
Nevertheless, an interesting book on an interesting man.
April 4, 2020
Crankshaw admits Bismarck was talented and tactically skillful but otherwise slants everything against him. When Crankshaw has to admit that Bismarck did something wise, as with the social laws passed in the 1880s, he immediately attributes an evil motive to what was done or move on quickly to areas where Crankshaw can more comfortably attack his subject. Most everything that went wrong in Europe in the 80 years after Bismarck's death is attributed at least in part to Bismarck as though Henry Ford is responsible for every traffic accident involving a Ford automobile.
I am not saying that no one should read the book. This would be a good book to read to restore balance after one read a book that attributed some sort of godlike vision to Bismarck. Also, reading this biography would be fun for haters of Prussia (and perhaps of Germany as a whole) who have not gotten over the world wars.
I am not saying that no one should read the book. This would be a good book to read to restore balance after one read a book that attributed some sort of godlike vision to Bismarck. Also, reading this biography would be fun for haters of Prussia (and perhaps of Germany as a whole) who have not gotten over the world wars.
January 19, 2021
Not a good book for jumping into this Era unfamiliar. The author does little to describe the other players, or even to indicate who may be important later in time. He also kept writing things in French without translation, which just becomes annoying to translate. I think this is geared towards readers familiar with German history and wanting a more detailed take, so my dislike may have been my fault for starting with this book.
On the other hand, reading the machinations of a amoral narcissist in a leadership position has some fascinating parallels to today. There is nothing new under the sun.
On the other hand, reading the machinations of a amoral narcissist in a leadership position has some fascinating parallels to today. There is nothing new under the sun.
November 24, 2025
Did Bismarck sleep with this guy’s wife or something? Apparently every move Bismarck ever made was underhanded or nefarious and he was ultimately responsible for every ill in the 20th century. I just don’t buy it. I feel like I never got to know the man at all. I found this to be a barely readable and implausible “biography.” I had no idea, when I picked the book up, that I was going to read a 400 page polemic.
April 14, 2025
Bismarck showed sociopathy through and through, particularly his desire to be pitied for health reasons (a position sociopaths prefer as it elicits sympathy), his fetish for stirring the pot, and his lack of attachment to social norms. His normalization of bullying and militarism set the stage for World Wars 1 and 2. In our times, an example worth learning.
October 30, 2018
I had wanted to read this book for many years as it bedeviled me from my own bookshelf.
It was very informative and filled a number of gaps, but I felt that it was too detailed on minor points, whereby it should have explained a bit more background or context on others.
It was very informative and filled a number of gaps, but I felt that it was too detailed on minor points, whereby it should have explained a bit more background or context on others.
May 14, 2023
This excellently written biography of the ‘blood and iron’ chancellor of Prussia and then Germany, Otto von Bismarck, was certainly worth the read. Tracing his ascent from humble beginnings Crankshaw shows how a combination of intuitive political and manipulative genius, sheer willpower and luck this man attained a position of highest power in Germany. His decisions changed the face of Europe forever.
The author uses many letters written by Bismarck and by others about him to demonstrate how he tied his career to the state of Prussia, and used Prussia’s (later Germany’s) ascent as a vehicle for his own success. It seems he was not motivated by a real concern for the German people, his king, or for the welfare of Europe as a whole. He craved power, and used whatever means necessary to achieve it. Once he had risen to the pinnacle of political importance, though, he didn’t really know what to do with himself. He kept himself busy, but had no long term goals to raise the German state to a proper level of maturity in which it could function without him. For because he made the government almost entirely dependent on him - he could not tolerate others of equal ability around him, or any dissent form his subordinates - without his guiding hand less skilled leaders allowed Germany to be dragged into the First World War.
Bismarck’s skilled manipulation of the people (not least King William, who he consistently bent to his will - Bismarck was the real power behind the throne) and nations around him, and his endorsement of ‘realpolitik’ greatly helped to further his goals. His political policy was once of the ‘self-centered state’ where dynastic solidarity, former alliances, and religious concerns were all dropped in order to give Prussia a freer and more unscrupulous hand in international diplomacy. In his words: “Whenever I have been asked whether I was pro-Russian or pro-Western powers I have always answered: I am Prussian, and my in ideal foreign policies is total freedom from prejudice, independence of decision reached without pressure or aversion from or attraction to foreign states and their rulers... I would see our troops fire on French, Russian, English or Austrians with equal satisfaction.”
The author uses many letters written by Bismarck and by others about him to demonstrate how he tied his career to the state of Prussia, and used Prussia’s (later Germany’s) ascent as a vehicle for his own success. It seems he was not motivated by a real concern for the German people, his king, or for the welfare of Europe as a whole. He craved power, and used whatever means necessary to achieve it. Once he had risen to the pinnacle of political importance, though, he didn’t really know what to do with himself. He kept himself busy, but had no long term goals to raise the German state to a proper level of maturity in which it could function without him. For because he made the government almost entirely dependent on him - he could not tolerate others of equal ability around him, or any dissent form his subordinates - without his guiding hand less skilled leaders allowed Germany to be dragged into the First World War.
Bismarck’s skilled manipulation of the people (not least King William, who he consistently bent to his will - Bismarck was the real power behind the throne) and nations around him, and his endorsement of ‘realpolitik’ greatly helped to further his goals. His political policy was once of the ‘self-centered state’ where dynastic solidarity, former alliances, and religious concerns were all dropped in order to give Prussia a freer and more unscrupulous hand in international diplomacy. In his words: “Whenever I have been asked whether I was pro-Russian or pro-Western powers I have always answered: I am Prussian, and my in ideal foreign policies is total freedom from prejudice, independence of decision reached without pressure or aversion from or attraction to foreign states and their rulers... I would see our troops fire on French, Russian, English or Austrians with equal satisfaction.”
November 10, 2014
Subject matter was very interesting but I don't know if I would recommend this particular book to read. I feel many of his comments or statements seemed to be lacking in specific examples. Plus many of his complex run on sentences needed to be pared down. The author also assumes the reader understands French!
August 14, 2016
Detailed research and good insight into Bismarck's mentality.
Overall, did not enjoy the writing style struggled to stay interested in parts.
To be fair, I had limited knowledge of Bismarck and Prussia going in. For those with more background in the subject area Crankshaw's Bismarck should be more rewarding.
Overall, did not enjoy the writing style struggled to stay interested in parts.
To be fair, I had limited knowledge of Bismarck and Prussia going in. For those with more background in the subject area Crankshaw's Bismarck should be more rewarding.
March 2, 2014
As with most biographies it contains a lot of information that maybe tough to get through. It is a fascinating look into the history of one of the most powerful countries in the world. This is definitely a book I would recommend and I plan on rereading in the future.
May 8, 2015
A mostly balanced account, but one in which the author wanted to "right" the interpretation of the great man's legacy by emphasizing his flaws and mistakes.
December 6, 2019
A balanced, critical biography of one of the most revered and reviled figures of European history
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews