From the Bookshelf of Retro Reads

Frederick the Great
by
Start date
August 15, 2017
Finish date
September 14, 2017
Discussion leader
Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂

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What Members Thought

Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂
A great man, who fell out of favour in modern history because he was so admired by the Nazis.

Having read another Mitford biography I knew what to expect - a conversational style and an assumption that the reader already has a working knowledge of the history of the era. This wasn't a problem for me with Madame de Pompadour but what I knew about Russian history would fit comfortably on the back of a postage stamp, so I struggled with this read until I put all other books aside & really concentrat
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Barb in Maryland
3.5 stars for this entertainingly informative biography of one of the 18th century's notable rulers.

Mitford recounts the life of Frederick II of Prussia, from cradle to grave, in an easy, breezy style which masks the serious research she did on her subject. This short book is a good introduction to Frederick's life. All of the high (and low) points are covered without drowning the reader in too much detail. She excels at bringing the large cast of characters to life, some with brief sketches, ot
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Katy
Jul 22, 2017 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: history
Mid-August Buddy Read

Another biography of a King that I knew just a little about and his life. My copy has gorgeous illustrations that are a plus for the book. Mitford's style is story-like and enjoyable.
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Lesley
Sep 02, 2017 rated it really liked it
3.5 rounded up.
Sana Souames
Jul 30, 2017 marked it as to-read
Leslie
Jan 23, 2018 marked it as to-read
Jacqueline
Jun 18, 2025 marked it as to-read