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The book is a biography of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, written by Thomas Carlyle. The story begins with an introduction to Friedrich's life, describing his physical appearance, personality, and reputation as a king and military leader. Carlyle reflects on the challenges of writing a biography of Friedrich, given the abundance of books and records about him, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. The book explores the Eighteenth Century as a time of great change and upheaval, and how Friedrich's life and reign reflect the complexities and contradictions of that era. It also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, influenced by Voltaire's writings, and the impact of the French Revolution on European history. The book delves into Friedrich's family background, including his parents, Friedrich Wilhelm and Sophie Dorothee, and his grandparents, Friedrich I and Sophie Charlotte. It provides insight into the complexities of the Prussian royal court, including the relationships between family members and the political intrigues of the time. The book also explores the character and life of Friedrich Wilhelm, Friedrich's father, and his relationship with his wife, Sophie Dorothee of Hanover, and the Hanoverian connection. Additionally, it discusses the life of Sophie Charlotte, Friedrich's grandmother, and her influence on the Prussian court and culture. The book concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background, and the significance of his birth in the context of Prussian history. Overall, the book is a comprehensive and detailed account of Friedrich II's life, providing a rich and nuanced understanding of one of history's most fascinating figures.
The chapter provides an introduction to the life of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great. It describes his physical appearance, personality, and reputation as a king and military leader. The author, Thomas Carlyle, reflects on the challenges of writing a biography of Friedrich, given the abundance of books and records about him, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. Carlyle discusses the Eighteenth Century as a time of great change and upheaval, and how Friedrich's life and reign reflect the complexities and contradictions of that era. The chapter also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, and how these have been influenced by Voltaire's libelous writings about him. Additionally, Carlyle mentions the French Revolution and its impact on European history, and how Friedrich's life and legacy have been reevaluated in the aftermath of that event. The chapter concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background.
The chapter introduces the life of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, and the challenges of writing his biography. The author, Thomas Carlyle, reflects on the abundance of books and records about Friedrich, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. The chapter also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, influenced by Voltaire's writings, and the impact of the French Revolution on European history. Additionally, it discusses the Eighteenth Century as a time of great change and upheaval, and how Friedrich's life and reign reflect the complexities and contradictions of that era. The chapter concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background, and the significance of his birth in the context of Prussian history.
The chapter discusses the 18th century, a time of great change and upheaval, and how it relates to the life of Friedrich II of Prussia. The author, Thomas Carlyle, reflects on the challenges of writing a biography of Friedrich, given the abundance of books and records about him, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. Carlyle also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, influenced by Voltaire's writings, and the impact of the French Revolution on European history. The chapter concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background. Additionally, it explores the character and life of Friedrich Wilhelm, Friedrich's father, and his relationship with his wife, Sophie Dorothee of Hanover. The chapter also delves into the life of Sophie Charlotte, Friedrich's grandmother, and her influence on the Prussian court and culture.
The chapter discusses the challenges of writing a biography of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, due to the abundance of books and records about him, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. The author, Thomas Carlyle, reflects on the Eighteenth Century as a time of great change and upheaval, and how Friedrich's life and reign reflect the complexities and contradictions of that era. Carlyle also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, influenced by Voltaire's writings, and the impact of the French Revolution on European history. The chapter concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background, and the significance of his birth in the context of Prussian history.
The chapter discusses the challenges of writing a biography of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, due to the abundance of books and records about him, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. The author, Thomas Carlyle, reflects on the Eighteenth Century as a time of great change and upheaval, and how Friedrich's life and reign reflect the complexities and contradictions of that era. Carlyle also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, influenced by Voltaire's writings, and the impact of the French Revolution on European history. The chapter concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background, and the significance of his birth in the context of Prussian history. Additionally, the chapter explores the character and life of Friedrich Wilhelm, Friedrich's father, and his relationship with his wife, Sophie Dorothee of Hanover, and the Hanoverian connection. The chapter also delves into the life of Sophie Charlotte, Friedrich's grandmother, and her influence on the Prussian court and culture.
The chapter describes the birth of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great, on January 24, 1712, in the palace of Berlin. The event was met with great joy and celebration, as Friedrich's birth was seen as a significant event for the Prussian royal family. The chapter also delves into the family background of Friedrich, including his parents, Friedrich Wilhelm and Sophie Dorothee, and his grandparents, Friedrich I and Sophie Charlotte. It provides insight into the complexities of the Prussian royal court, including the relationships between family members and the political intrigues of the time. Additionally, the chapter touches on the historical context of the early 18th century, including the Spanish Succession War and the rise of the Hohenzollern family to power.
The chapter focuses on the parents of Friedrich II, specifically his father, Friedrich Wilhelm, and his mother, Sophie Dorothee of Hanover. It describes Friedrich Wilhelm's early life, his experiences as a young prince, and his relationships with his family members, including his father, Friedrich I, and his stepmother, Electress Dorothee. The chapter also explores Sophie Dorothee's background, her marriage to Friedrich Wilhelm, and her character. Additionally, it touches on the Hanoverian connection and the complex web of relationships between the European royal families during that time. The chapter provides insight into the family dynamics and the historical context that shaped Friedrich II's early life and upbringing.
The chapter discusses the life of Friedrich Wilhelm, the father of Friedrich II, and his mother, Sophie Charlotte. Friedrich Wilhelm was a thick-set, sturdy, and florid young fellow who was fond of soldiering and outdoor exercises. He was married to Sophie Dorothee of Hanover, who was his cousin, and they had a number of children together. The chapter also explores the complexities of the Prussian royal court, including the relationships between family members and the political intrigues of the time. Additionally, it delves into the life of Sophie Charlotte, Friedrich's grandmother, and her influence on the Prussian court and culture. The chapter also mentions the Konigsmark tragedy, a scandalous event that occurred at Hanover during Friedrich Wilhelm's stay there, and how it affected the royal family. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the character and life of King Friedrich I, Friedrich Wilhelm's father, and his relationship with his wife, Sophie Charlotte. The chapter concludes with a description of the coronation of King Friedrich I as the first King of Prussia, and the symbolic pinch of snuff taken by Sophie Charlotte during the ceremony, which is seen as a protest against the ostentations of the royal court.
The chapter provides a detailed description of King Friedrich I of Prussia, who was the first king of Prussia and the grandfather of Friedrich II. It discusses his physical appearance, personality, and reign, including his struggles with his stepmother and his efforts to achieve the kingship. The chapter also delves into the history of the Hohenzollern family and their rise to power, as well as the circumstances surrounding Friedrich I's coronation as king. Additionally, it touches on the character and influence of Sophie Charlotte, Friedrich I's wife and Friedrich II's grandmother, who was known for her intelligence, wit, and strong personality. The chapter concludes with a description of Sophie Charlotte's symbolic pinch of snuff during the coronation ceremony, which is seen as a protest against the ostentations of the royal court.
The chapter provides an introduction to the life of Friedrich II of Prussia, also known as Frederick the Great. It describes his physical appearance, personality, and reputation as a king and military leader. The author, Thomas Carlyle, reflects on the challenges of writing a biography of Friedrich, given the abundance of books and records about him, but also the difficulties of discerning truth from falsehood. Carlyle discusses the Eighteenth Century as a time of great change and upheaval, and how Friedrich's life and reign reflect the complexities and contradictions of that era. The chapter also touches on the English prepossessions and misconceptions about Friedrich, influenced by Voltaire's writings, and the impact of the French Revolution on European history. Additionally, it discusses the character and life of Friedrich Wilhelm, Friedrich's father, and his relationship with his wife, Sophie Dorothee of Hanover, and the Hanoverian connection. The chapter concludes with a description of Friedrich's birth and early life, including his parents and family background, and the significance of his birth in the context of Prussian history.