Author: Giles MacDonogh
Frederick the Great A Life in Deed and Letters.
New York: St Martin's Press, 1999. ISBN 0312253184. Illustrations, Notes, Index. Pp. xi, 436, Paper $16.95.

Frederick the Great has attracted the attention of generations of historians. His role in the history of the eighteenth century, as well as in the building of the Prussian State has long been a source of much study along with heated controversy. The conflicting opinions of Frederick are all the more intense since his personality was very complex. It is just this character, and not the `images' historians have created around it that Giles MacDonogh seeks to reveal in his biography. In attempting to draw out the `real' Frederick, MacDonogh takes two courses, as implied in the title. These two main points of entry into Frederick's character consist of his deeds, or activities, and his letters, which should be taken as an inference to his copious writings. Above all, the author works to present the most complete account of Frederick II as possible. In attempting to depict the king in a thorough manner, the author begins by describing the web of personal relationships Frederick in which grew up.

MacDonogh treats of most of the more important relationships in Frederick's life. Of course the author depicts his interactions with his father, Frederick William I, which were quite strained in his early life. Part of this MacDonogh relates to the distinctly Prussian style of kingship, which he credits Frederick William I with establishing. The idea of kingship developed by Frederick William I held a direct connection to the king's views on his family. Therefore, the boy, who was not completely subservient to, and in agreement with, him, was not fit to rule the state. Such an attitude, MacDonogh depicts as having a profound effect on the young prince. The author notes early on how the king's treatment was making the boy become "furtive and sly." (37)

This strain brought the prince to his breaking point when the young Frederick attempted to run away. The reaction of the father has often been presented as savage, and so it comes across here. Particularly poignant is the description of the fate of one of Frederick's closest friend and an accomplice in the escape attempt, Hans Hermann von Katte. The image of a young Frederick being forced to watch through the window of prison fortress at Kurstin as Katte was decapitated with a sword sends shivers down the spine! By the same token, if there is one place in where MacDonogh fails in his narrative, it is here. In describing the reaction of Frederick to this traumatic event, he sates simply: "He was distraught for days, he could neither eat nor sleep." (73) This understatement is one of the few very weak points in what is otherwise a very strong and compelling narrative. Frederick's relationship with his father is not the only one that MacDonogh deals with in some detail.

The relationship between Frederick and his sister Wilhelmina receives a great deal of attention as well. Likewise, the author spends a fair amount of space describing his interactions with his brothers. By far the largest amount of print is reserved for the circle of friends Frederick developed through his life. Among the names that appear repeatedly are those of Francesco Algaroti, Michael Gabriel Fredersdorf, and, of course, Francois Marie Arouet de Voltaire. This relationship began with an exchange of letters on August 8, 1736 and was to continue for almost forty-two years. MacDonogh devotes an entire chapter to the period Voltaire spent in Prussia. In his description of the often-turbulent dealings between these two, the author definitely sides with Frederick. Thus Voltaire often comes in for a fair amount of criticism.

For instance, in describing one of the many petty legal cases in which the French philosophe became involved in while staying at with Frederick in Prussia, MacDonogh states: "Throughout the affair he proved himself the consummate liar." (226) This may, perhaps, be seen as taking too harsh of a stand, however, MacDonogh is also battling legions of college students whose first introduction to the Enlightenment has taken the form of reading Candide, with its not-so-positive depiction of the King of Prussia. These relationships, however, are not the only, or even the most profitable device MacDonogh utilizes to get at the true image of Frederick.

Probably, the most fruitful approach for getting an understanding of Frederick is through a perusal of his prolific output as an author and composer. This material included music (mainly for the flute), poetry, as well as various literary works on almost every possible subject. First among the latter type was his refutation of Niccolo Machiavelli, begun in 1739. MacDonogh is quick to disclose the irony of such an undertaking in that Machiavelli probably dreamed of a prince much like Frederick! MacDonogh presents a thorough description of all the major works, including Frederick's Testament politique and his Principes generaux de la guerre.

In examining Frederick's literary output, the author has clearly done his homework, using both the documents produced specifically for public consumption, as well as those of a more private nature. Likewise, this use of such a wide range of documents serves as a means of allowing the King of Prussia to voice his own thoughts and ideas in his own words. Rather than judge the literary merit of these compositions, the author presents long excerpts from many of the works themselves, both in their original French and in English translation, so that the reader may draw their own conclusions. The biography examines much more than the letters of the Prussian king, it gives an account of his works over the course of a reign that lasted nearly fifty year. Even with the longevity of his reign, Frederick stands out as one of the most active rulers of his time as well.

In evaluating the deeds of Frederick, MacDonogh is comprehensive, looking at numerous aspects of the king's rule. Frederick the warrior is present, as is Frederick the builder, and the enlightened reformer. The author gives each of these a thorough treatment, favoring none above the others. In all fairness, Frederick the warrior probably receives the least coverage. This is not, therefore, the place to look for an in depth description of the battle of Rossbach. In fact, MacDonogh gives only two pages to one of the king's most remembered military engagements! By the same token, the military deeds of Frederick have received thorough treatment by numerous scholars elsewhere. MacDonogh is, perhaps, slightly more comprehensive in his treatment of the other areas of Frederick's reign.

Frederick the builder, for instance, receives an in-depth and thorough examination. MacDonogh describes the care he took in building or refurbishing each of his palaces, the most notable among these being, of course, Sanssouci. The author describes the king's instructions on the building of the palace, as well as the materials he sought after in order to complete the king's lodging. Frederick would send members of his court abroad specifically to make acquisitions for Sanssouci. At the same time, many of these same courtiers (though Frederick did not have anything remotely resembling the kind of court popular at the time) sought to win favor by sending the king gifts. Though Frederick invested heavily in building projects such as these, he was far from unconcerned with the condition of his kingdom and its people.

Here is Frederick the reformer, the enlightened despot. This is an image of Frederick that has often been neglected, especially since the Second World War. MacDonogh brings this aspect of the king's personality back into consideration as well. He describes Frederick's efforts at reforming the Prussian legal codes, his efforts at land reclamation as well as directing the settlement of new areas of his kingdom. In each of these activities, Frederick took a personal interest, and worked tirelessly to put his reforms in place. Likewise, Frederick took a leading role in efforts at rebuilding his kingdom, both after the Silesian Wars and the Seven Years' War. It should be clear by now that A Life in Deeds and Letters is not a work that tries to look at Frederick from any single perspective, but one that tries to view him from all sides, and thus give a complete portrait.

The question remains as to which image of Frederick the Great Giles MacDonogh would want people to see. It seems that it is the visage of a sensitive prince, forced to undergo incredible traumas. These, in turn, made him very much the cynic, though the author uses the term misanthrope, that label seems a bit harsh.

Finally, Giles MacDonogh succeeds, as well as any author can hope to, in presenting a balanced account of one of the eighteenth century's most flamboyant and controversial figures. This is book well worth the commitment of several days to read. The narrative is strong, and flows well. Maps constitute one area in which the work is sorely lacking, and would come as a welcomed aid, especially when dealing with the campaigns of Frederick, as well as his tours of the German states.

Likewise, while the notes are well done, a complete bibliography would also improve the works' usefulness, especially with regards to the massive output of the subject. Still, Frederick the Great A Life in Deeds and Letters will remain a welcome addition to the shelves of anyone with an interest in eighteenth century Europe in general, and Frederick the Great in particular. The novice will find an excellent and readable introduction, and the expert will find a balanced account that covers the complex character of Frederick in a comprehensive manner rarely seen.

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