WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY KATE WILLIAMS Frederick II of Prussia attempted to
escape his authoritarian father as a boy, but went on to become one of
history's greatest rulers. He loved the flute, and devoted hours of study
to the arts and French literature, forming a long-lasting but turbulent
friendship with Voltaire. He was a military genius and enlarged the borders
of his empire, but he also promoted religious tolerance, economic reform
and laid the foundation for a united Germany. Nancy Mitford brings all
these contradictions and achievements to sparkling life in an fascinating,
intimate biography.