This book is the memoir of Crown Prince Wilhelm of Germany, the eldest son of Kaiser Wilhelm II, the last German Emperor. It is an insightful and fascinating account of the life of a young man growing up in the shadow of a powerful monarch and the complexities of pre-World War I Germany. The author provides a unique perspective on the political and social landscape of the time, offering insights into the motivations and decisions that shaped the course of history. Through the author's personal recollections and reflections, this book explores the themes of duty, tradition, family, and the challenges of finding one's own path in the face of great expectations. It sheds light on the complex dynamics of the German monarchy and aristocracy, and the author's struggle to reconcile his personal beliefs with the demands of his position. Ultimately, this memoir is a valuable contribution to our understanding of German history and the human experience of living in a time of profound change and upheaval.
Self serving, sometimes revealing but long-winded and filled with obscure and mundane details. Crown Prince Wilhelm was a spoiled, lazy, charming, intelligent, self-absorbed,womanizing ,foolish, irresolute, sometimes brilliant, feckless loser. He had three great chances to do right by Germany and actually lead his country down a better path, but he was incapable and he flubbed all three opportunities. His one great accomplishment was to end the battle of Verdun early and thereby he saved tens of thousands of lives. But nonetheless.....