Kaiser Wilhelm II (1859–1941) is one of the most fascinating figures in European history, ruling Imperial Germany from his accession in 1888 to his enforced abdication in 1918 at the end of the First World War. In one slim volume, John Röhl offers readers a concise and accessible survey of his monumental three-volume biography of the Kaiser and his reign. The book sheds new light on Wilhelm's troubled youth, his involvement in social and political scandals, and his growing thirst for glory, which, combined with his overwhelming nationalism and passion for the navy provided the impetus for a breathtaking long-term goal: the transformation of the German Reich into one of the foremost powers in the world. The volume examines the crucial role played by Wilhelm as Germany's Supreme War Lord in the policies that led to war in 1914. It concludes by describing the rabid anti-Semitism he developed in exile and his efforts to persuade Hitler to restore him to the throne.

An Economist Book of the Year 2014

‘This ranks as one of the greatest political biographies of our time. Superb, important, magisterial - sometimes even hilarious and as compellingly fascinating as it is academically definitive.'

Simon Sebag Montefiore - author of Stalin: The Court of the Red Tsar (2004)

'A brief summary of Rohl's mighty three volume biography.'

Source: Sunday Times

'In this powerful portrait Rohl reveals the monstrosity of the man behind the posturing monarch.'

Source: The Times

'Rohl's scholarship and authority still shine through the pacey narrative. And what a devastating portrait it is.'

Source: The Economist

'The sharp, distinctly unflattering portrait of the Kaiser which emerges from this brilliant short book is the more convincing because of the scrupulous fairness with which John Rohl has treated his unappealing subject and the extraordinary circumstances that shaped him.'

Lord Lexden Source: House

'… a concise examination of the life, character, and actions of the Kaiser. … This is certainly the best one-volume treatment of the Kaiser.'

Source: NYMAS Review

… certainly the best one-volume treatment of the Kaiser.'

Source: StrategyPage (www.strategypage.com)