Aus meinem Leben

In this candid memoir a seasoned German field marshal looks back on a life shaped by duty, battlefield experience, and the tumult of his nation’s history. He begins with the ordinary details of his family, school, and cadet training, then moves through the formative campaigns of 1866 and 1870, describing the sights, sounds, and decisions that forged his early perspective. The narrative is presented as a personal record rather than a triumphalist or apologetic work, emphasizing the inner compass that guided his actions amid both triumph and loss.

The second part turns to his involvement in the Great War, offering a front‑line view of strategy, command meetings, and the harsh realities of the Eastern and Western fronts. He shares observations on fellow commanders, the weight of responsibility, and the complex interplay of politics and military planning. Listeners will find a thoughtful portrait of a man who strove to balance personal conviction with the demands of a nation at war, all conveyed in a reflective, unembellished voice.