Bismarck

Profiles in Power

by Katharine Anne Lerman

How did Bismarck, Germany's greatest nineteenth century leader, extend and maintain his power? This new Profile examines his strengths as statesman and all the facets of his political career. His many direct achievements included the unification of Germany and the expansion of Prussia. In short, he was the architect of Germany's change from cultural region to political nation. In the end he combined egotism and brilliance exceptionally, yet it was still not enough to save him from dismissal by William II.

Genres: Biography, History

316 pages, Paperback

First published February 29, 2004

About the author

Katharine Lerman is Senior Lecturer in Modern European History and History course leader at London Metropolitan University. She studied at the University of Sussex and previously taught at the universities of Exeter and Wales (Lampeter).

Reviews

[Jesika · Rating 2 out of 5]

BORING

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid thematic biography of Bismarck examining his relationship with personal, political, and international power. While recognising the limitation of examining Bismarck only through this lens, Lerman does an exceptional job of exploring Bismarck's personal complexities and continuing to advance the scholarship against the waning construct of the Reichsgründer as a diplomatic and political superman. The final chapters about Bismarck's last years in power and his 'retirement' after resigning are particularly exceptional. Lerman's analysis of Bismarck's relationship with the earlier German political parties and the contradictory political construct of the imperial legislature are accessible and well-conceived.

[Teddy Dodger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good entry point accessible biography. Timeline at the back is very helpful

[Chloe Z · Rating 1 out of 5]

truly the second worst book I’ve ever read — wikipedia might just be better