I first read this book two or three years ago, and though finding it immensely enjoyable and stimulating, was also frankly slightly daunted by its sweep and the volume of information contained therein. Having completed it on that occasion, I experienced a feeling of "unfinished business", and that this was one of those books which demanded several readings over time, in order that its full quality, richness and depth can be absorbed. So, just recently I read Iron Kingdom once more. Here are my observations....
The book is subtitled "The Rise and Downfall of Prussia 1600-1947", and this is a fair summation, although it barely hints at the attention to detail and erudition which leap from the pages.
Iron Kingdom documents the gradual increase in power, influence and prosperity of Prussia (or the territories which later became known as Prussia). The stewardship of each regime or monarch is analysed, offering theories as to how they contributed to the progression (or regression) of the Prussian "project". As the history moves forward, Brandenburg/Prussia is placed in its context in the grand European scheme of things, in terms of how it impacted the continent, and how it was affected by external pressures and the waxing and waning of other empires and monarchies.
Throughout, we gain a vivid illustration of how Prussia's geographical position in relation to friends and foes alike dictated its policies, often in the form of a delicate balancing act, and how it coped with the evolution of its demographic and territorial composition. In addition, the assimilation and integration (or otherwise) of new ideas and social and economic concepts are examined.
One of the things which really pleased me about this book was that it resisted the temptation to devote excessive coverage to certain well-known subjects (Frederick The Great, the Franco-Prussian War etc). Yes, these topics are accorded their merited scrutiny, but not to the detriment of this as a comprehensive and seamless chronicle.
Clark lucidly and entertainingly explains and highlights many lesser-known episodes in the story, from the role of intellectuals and religious movements to some of the idiosyncrasies of Prussian foreign policy in respect of disputed and sensitive territories.
The richness and vibrancy of the author's writing style also greatly enhances its appeal, exuding a genuine affection for language as well as fascination with the subject matter.
From a personal viewpoint, I found the chapters dealing with the 18th and 19th centuries most compelling, as they address the period both when old and new worldviews came into conflict, and when Prussia's leverage in European affairs became more pronounced. In particular, the reaction of the Prussian establishment to the upheavals and revolutions of that era is put under the microscope to good effect. We also how see the militarism which ensued ran in parallel with more enlightened social developments. I found the passages tackling the "wars of liberation" against Napoleonic France, and the forces and emotions which they unleashed, especially instructive and illuminating.
One of the things which stands out in these chapters is the often stuttering, uneven and hesitant nature of reforms, liberalization and modernization. The paradoxes and contradictions of Prussian society are duly pointed out, but as with other aspects of this rendering of the tale, in a nuanced and multi-faceted way.
Comparatively little space is dedicated to the post 1871 era, and sensibly this is largely restricted to the role of Prussia, or more specifically the Prussian "mentality" and ethos, in the first half of the twentieth century. After all, this is a book about Prussia, not Germany. The sections dealing with the world wars are, unsurprisingly, powerful and pungent....
It was a pleasure to read this book again. Highly recommended.
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