History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 17

Delving into the early stages of the Seven‑Years’ War, this volume paints a vivid portrait of Frederick II as a thinker‑warrior wrestling with the tangled web of European politics. It reveals the king’s meticulous study of diplomatic documents, his secret calculations, and the restless ambition that drove him to rekindle conflict with Austria over Silesia. Through rich narrative and keen analysis, listeners glimpse the stark contrast between the public’s sensationalized image of Frederick and the measured, often anguished decisions he faced behind closed doors.

The author also illuminates the broader stage on which these events unfolded—Maria Theresa’s relentless desire to reclaim Silesia, the fragile peace of Dresden, and the shadowy maneuvers of advisors like Brühl. By tracing the pre‑war negotiations and the simmering tensions that sparked the first campaign of 1756‑57, the book offers a nuanced understanding of how personal motives and geopolitical pressures converged. Listeners are invited to explore a pivotal moment in 18th‑century history, where the fate of empires hung in the balance long before the battlefield roared.