Frederick the 2nd, the Great, "Old Fritz", lives in German imagination up to today. His love for philosophy and art often veils the highly risky policy of the Silesian wars and Seven Years? War, which nearly led to the downfall of Prussia. Vivid, critical and academically sound the work demonstrates how Frederick influenced and changed his time. A basic overview over the history of the king, his different roles and functions as regent, officer, builder, collector and patron of the arts is given. Additionally his self-image as well as his survival as scholar king is addressed. These functions are linked with the history of Potsdam and Prussia, thus creating a exciting overview of the late 18th century.

Autorentext
Professor Dr. Hahn holds the chair for regional history at the University of Potsdam.

Klappentext

Friedrich II., der Große, der Alte Fritz, lebt bis heute in unserer Vorstellung. Seine Liebe zur Philosophie und zur Kunst verdeckt häufig die hochriskante Politik der Schlesischen Kriege und des Siebenjährigen Krieges, der fast zum Untergang Preußens geführt hätte. Lebendig, kritisch und wissenschaftlich fundiert zeigt der Band auf, wie Friedrich der Große seine Zeit prägte und veränderte. Er bietet einen grundlegenden Überblick über die Geschichte des Königs, seine verschiedenen Rollen und Funktionen als Regent, Militär, Bauherr, Sammler, Mäzen. Ebenso wird sein Selbstbild wie auch das Weiterleben im Mythos des Gelehrtenkönigs thematisiert. Verknüpft werden diese Funktionen mit der Geschichte Potsdams und Preußens. So entsteht ein spannendes Panorama des ausgehenden 18. Jahrhunderts.

Zusammenfassung
Frederick the 2nd, the Great, "Old Fritz", lives in German imagination up to today. His love for philosophy and art often veils the highly risky policy of the Silesian wars and Seven Years? War, which nearly led to the downfall of Prussia. Vivid, critical and academically sound the work demonstrates how Frederick influenced and changed his time. A basic overview over the history of the king, his different roles and functions as regent, officer, builder, collector and patron of the arts is given. Additionally his self-image as well as his survival as scholar king is addressed. These functions are linked with the history of Potsdam and Prussia, thus creating a exciting overview of the late 18th century.