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From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. For over two decades the study of Otto von Bismarck (–) has been structured by the seminal multivolume works of Lothar Gall and Otto Pflanze. Steinberg (Yesterday's Deterrent), a professor of modern European history at the University of Pennsylvania, brings a fresh perspective to the subject in a single volume whose insights and presentation make it no less canonical than its predecessors.

Steinberg's Bismarck is a man whose power came not from the external "forces and factors," as stated by Gall and Pflanze, but from "the sovereignty of an extraordinary, gigantic self." He embodied Hegel's concept of a world-historical figure: shaping events and people by the potency of his intellect, the force of his character, and the strength of his will.

Yet Steinberg demonstrates that Bismarck's rise and survival depended on his relationship to King William I. Serving as prime minister at the pleasure of William I, Devoid of any principle beyond the exercise of power, defining politics as struggle in domestic and international contexts, he singlehandedly "brought about a complete transformation in the European international order." As Steinberg relates, he fostered enmity in order to resolve conflict.

2011 patriots Once in power Bismarck began a remarkable transformation of European politics. I spent much of my time with this book referencing other works in order to provide the necessary information to make Steinberg's narrative accessible. The Franco-Prussian War is largely handled by Bismarck micromanaging his way through it, and there is barely any discussion of the expansion of the German colonial Empire. A sad tale.

The results were a restless Reich, an antagonistic Europe, and eventually a world war. B&w photos. (Apr.)
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From Booklist

Since there are a passel of Bismarck biographies, Steinberg recognizes that a new portrait requires a new approach. He adopts one of expansive quotation from Bismarck�s correspondence and from observations of him by contemporaries, which well suits the style of power Bismarck wielded from to It was personalistic, entailing domination of his nominal sovereign, Kaiser Wilhelm I, and of subordinate and rival Prussian officials.

If Bismarck�s will to power conveys the reputation for unprincipled ruthlessness reflected in his sobriquet, the Iron Chancellor, it also belies human qualities in the man who engineered three wars by which he united Germany. He could be witty and convivial, he adored a handful of relatives and friends, and, less positively, he grumbled about pedestrian inadequacies in his food and housing.

Bismarck biography 2011 nfl Presumes familiarity with persons and events in mid 19th century Prussia that I doubt many of his readers will have. This is especially clear as the book shows how he accomplished all he did while lacking a strong institutional, social, or political power base. This book works both on a scholarly level by describing and explaining Bismarck's politics and diplomacy, and on a layman's level by showing Bismarck's relations with his friends and family. Particularly noteworthy are the period of the wars of unification that led to the creation of the German Empire in and the period until his dismissal by the new Kaiser in when he worked to build the German state and craft new political institutions.

But the salient characterization emerging from this presentation is that of a cynic ruled by wrath. If scholars and history buffs want to meet Bismarck in flesh and blood, they need go no further. Steinberg�s integration of psychological insights and Bismarck�s political strategies yields a worthy biography. --Gilbert Taylor

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