Surveying the rise of Prussia from the early seventeenth century to 1740 and the role of its rulers, the author takes into account international relations, social and economic structures, as well as domestic pressures, ethical and cultural influences, idiosyncratic personalities and terrain and boundaries.

In this pamphlet Margaret Shennan surveys the rise of Prussia from the early seventeenth century to 1740, highlighting and evaluating the role of its rulers, in particular of Frederick William I, the Great Elector, and his two successors. The author takes into account international relations and social and economic structures, as well as domestic pressures, ethical and cultural influences, idiosyncratic personalities and terrain and boundaries.