# Bismarck: A Life — Otto von Bismarck Biography

Bismarck: A Life is a biography of Otto von Bismarck, presenting his political career and character through contemporary diaries and letters. Its 600-page account explores both his role in German unification and the tensions between his creative and destructive qualities.

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- Market: UK
- Language: en-GB
- Currency: GBP
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 22.05 GBP
- Previous price: 31.99 GBP
- Discount: 31%
- Price checked: 2026-11-14T19:26:03.129Z
- Rating: 4.2 / 5
- Reviews: 421

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## At a glance

- Uses the diaries and letters of Bismarck’s contemporaries to frame the biography.
- Covers his political role in German unification and his influence on Europe.
- Explores contrasting aspects of his character, including generosity and pettiness.

## Pros

- The contemporary-source approach offers perspective on Bismarck from friends, neighbours, secretaries, enemies and the press.
- The extensive 600-page length allows for a detailed account of his public and personal traits.

## Specifications

### Publication
- Publisher: OUP Oxford
- Publication date: 2 Aug. 2012
- Language: English
- Print length: 600 pages
### Dimensions and installation
- Weight listed: 1.05 kg
- Dimensions: 15.6 x 4.5 x 23.3 cm
### Identifiers
- ISBN-10: 9780199642427
- ISBN-13: 978-0199642427

## Before you buy

- At 600 pages and a listed weight of 1.05 kg, this is a substantial book rather than a compact read. The listing does not specify a binding or edition.

## A good fit for

- Readers seeking an in-depth biography of Otto von Bismarck and his political period.
- Readers interested in biographies that use contemporary diaries and letters.

## Less suited to

- Readers looking for a short introduction or a consistently light, easy read.

## Customer feedback

Customer feedback highlights the book’s production quality and often describes the writing as well done, but opinions on the content, source quotations, readability and character study are mixed. Some readers value the extensive use of sources, while others find the quotations excessive or the book difficult to read. Given its 600-page length, this may matter to readers seeking a brisk overview. Ratings are generally favourable overall, but they do not resolve those differences in reading experience.
- Positive themes: Some customers praise the production quality and writing.
- Negative themes: Some customers find the book difficult to read and say it contains too many quotations.
- Negative themes: Some customers criticise the writing or editing.
- Mixed feedback: Reactions vary on the content, readability and depth of character exploration.

## Frequently asked questions

### What does this biography focus on?
It examines Otto von Bismarck’s political career, role in German unification and character, using diaries and letters from contemporaries.
### How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 600 pages.
### Is this described as an easy read?
Customer feedback is divided on readability. Some find it enjoyable, while others describe it as difficult, so it may suit readers comfortable with a substantial biography.

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- [Blood and Iron: The Rise and Fall of the German Empire 1871–1918](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/visit/bismarck-a-life-otto-von-bismarck-biography)
- [Bismarck: The Iron Chancellor \(Life & Times\)](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/visit/bismarck-a-life-otto-von-bismarck-biography)
- [Bismarck: The Man and the Statesman](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/visit/bismarck-a-life-otto-von-bismarck-biography)
- [From Third World to First: A Statesman’s Powerful Story of Transformation from Poverty to National Leadership](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/visit/bismarck-a-life-otto-von-bismarck-biography)
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## Add-ons

- [Iron Kingdom: The Rise and Downfall of Prussia, 1600-1947](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/visit/bismarck-a-life-otto-von-bismarck-biography)
- [Kaiser Wilhelm II: A Life in Power](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/visit/bismarck-a-life-otto-von-bismarck-biography)

## Images

![Bismarck: A Life — Otto von Bismarck Biography — 1](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/voj3A17-6BaS6Kj1OjaDNIRGJSmrqCc2SoBXAokc9y5GXEmQjXb5MR9g-HFGOhUPW6rc17pF62rf4DDvM7lVw-zcgu2sI4WfkBFeiGVcxgCMk4TRwc_-.jpg)