This title is presented with an Introduction by Kate Williams. Frederick II of Prussia attempted to escape his authoritarian father as a boy, but went on to become one of history`s greatest rulers. He loved the flute, & devoted hours of study to the arts & French literature, forming a long-lasting but turbulent friendship with Voltaire. He was a military genius & enlarged the borders of his empire, but he also promoted religious tolerance, economic reform & laid the foundation for a united Germany. Nancy Mitford brings all these contradictions & achievements to sparkling life in an fascinating, intimate biography.