Bismarck

by Alan Warwick Palmer

Bismarck was not an individual, but a legend... 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. This book includes many important extracts from Bismarck’s letters, public and private, and the results of recent research. Praise for Alan ‘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’.

Genres: History, Biography, Germany, Nonfiction, European History, Politics

422 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

Author also writes under Alan Palmer

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.

Reviews

[Emmett Hoops · Rating 5 out of 5]

At last, I've found a highly readable account of Bismarck's life. This book, first published over 40 years ago, is undoubtedly the one biography of that remarkable man that I should have read -- not the five others, not one of which has provided the insights that this one does.

[luis Bustamante · Rating 3 out of 5]

too shallow. Read a couple of chapters and it jumps from event to event fairly quickly, when it comes to biographies I like to read something at least detail. I'm not asking for a recount of each year of his life, but this author does not explore topics like his childhood, adolescent, early adult life. It all goes too quickly, like being anxious to get to the period of his life when he was chancellor. I'll read something else and find a better bio for the Iron Chancellor

[Susanna Polakov · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched book about the life and work of the infamous iron chancellor. The reason for four stars is that sometimes I wished there were less details of intricacies of Bismarck's work (especially in the second half of the book) and more on a wider internal and external contexts the events were taking place in.

[Richard Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Iron Chancellor

I've digested many biographical stratagem in my lifetime. But this marvelous work surpasses any previous book I have entertained. It is written in a fair and balanced fashion, being well researched and the author should be quite pleased in his efforts.

[michael shilman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written informative book

A Well written work that gives a good explanation of events in Europe during Bismarck's years. A generally enjoyable read.

[David Bisset · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unifier of Germany


Bismarck was no militarist - and certainly no Hitler. This book is a nuanced approach to his life, and its impingement on European history. Alan Palmer writes with elegant insight.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-written, comprehensive biography of the 19th century German chancellor. The author does a good job of describing Bismarck's place in and impact on 19th century central Europe.