Published a few months of Kaiser William I's 90th birthday this is a great biography written at the time the subject was still alive in 1887.

The book is broken up into several major events within William's life and does a good job of covering them to the extent that an uninformed reader comes away with a good understanding of the background, circumstances and result.

The first block of 1797-1840 gives a background of Prussia, his father, political circumstances and William's early life as Prince of Prussia and entrance to military serivce. Following this is 1840-1861 which goes further into detail about his military service, political troubles in Prussia and his arguably political exile to the London Embassy when he falls out of favour with the public.

Enter 1861-1871 and we see him rise from to the position of King of Prussia and the entrance of Otto von Bismarck onto the political scene at a high level, from here it centres on the War with Austria giving a detailed review of circumstances in 1866.

When then follow the antagonism between France & Prussia resulting in the 1870 war with France and a clear demonstration of the rise of Prussian power which leads directly into the next chapter covering the Unification of Germany under the guiding hand of King William I following the successful German alliance against France; William is proclaimed Emperor (or Kaiser) of the new unified Germany.

The book then finishes with a cosy & warm description of Kaiser William I's 90th birthday in 1887.

Overall, it's an easy to read, informative & interesting book. A good snapshot of history which includes interesting tidbits such as King William attending the front lines of war while fighting is still intense and outcome far from certain. (I can't see our modern leaders having the chops to do this). ( )