author

King of Prussia Frederick II

1712–1786

Remembered as Frederick the Great, this Prussian king was a brilliant battlefield commander, a sharp political thinker, and a ruler with a real passion for music and philosophy. His life combines war, ambition, intellect, and the making of Prussia into a major European power.

1 Audiobook

Correspondance de Voltaire avec le roi de Prusse

Correspondance de Voltaire avec le roi de Prusse

by King of Prussia Frederick II, Voltaire

About the author

Born in Berlin in 1712, Frederick II became king of Prussia in 1740 and ruled until his death in 1786. His reign transformed Prussia into one of Europe’s leading states, and his victories in the War of the Austrian Succession and the Seven Years’ War made him one of the most famous rulers of the 18th century.

He is often called Frederick the Great not only for his military skill but also for the energy he brought to government. He promoted administrative reform, took a strong personal interest in state affairs, and supported religious toleration. At the same time, his expansion of Prussian power came through hard, costly wars that shaped the balance of power in Europe.

Frederick also had a striking cultural side. He loved music, played the flute, wrote on politics and history, and kept up a famous correspondence with Voltaire. That mix of soldier, strategist, and man of letters helps explain why he remains such a compelling historical figure.