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Frederick the Great

A Military History

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Frederick the Great

By: Dennis Showalter
Narrated by: Joe Barrett
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About this listen

Frederick the Great is one of history's most important leaders. Famed for his military successes and domestic reforms, his campaigns were a watershed in the history of Europe, securing Prussia's place as a continental power and inaugurating a new pattern of total war that was to endure until 1916. However, much myth surrounds this enigmatic man's personality and his role as politician, warrior, and king.

Dennis Showalter's cleverly written book provides a refreshing, multidimensional depiction of Frederick the Great and an objective, detailed reappraisal of his military, political, and social achievements. Early chapters set the scene with an excellent summary of 18th-century Europe and the Age of Reason; an analysis of the character, composition, and operating procedures of the Prussian army; and explore Frederick's personality as a young man. Later chapters examine his stunning victories at Rossbach and Leuthen, his defeats at Prague, and Kolin and Prussia's emergence as a key European power.

Written with style and pace, this book offers brilliant insights into the political and military history of the 18th century, and one of history's most famous rulers.

©1996 Dennis Showalter; introduction copyright 2012 by Pen & Sword Books Ltd. (P)2020 Tantor 18th Century Europe Germany Military Military & War Modern Royalty War
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There are better biographies out there, but just not on audio. The narration is acceptable but clearly without enthusiasm. You can tell when a narrator has a passion for the topic against when it's just another job of work.
It's a convenient listen and introduction to Fred., but it won't enthral or leave you with a great impression of him, which he rightly deserves. He's not up there with the ultra greats of history, but he's close.
A PDF of accompanying military maps would be helpful to anyone who hasn't a great knowledge of European village geography. 😕 Mick the Hick.

Tolerable; but only just.

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Great start. Bogs down towards the end. Overall well worth it but could be clearer in structure in the latter phases. Well written and well read overall.

Insightful and well read

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