For some, he was the greatest chancellor that Germany ever produced, others have stylised him as a "demon" and made him directly or indirectly responsible for almost everything that subsequently went wrong in German history. It seems to be clear that the truth lies somewhere in between. It is not the intention of this book to dictate to its readers exactly where. Rather, it is meant to supply some facts with their interpretation which may form the basis for a well-grounded image of this colourful personality. The book is based upon modern academic research, at the same time it is written in an easily accessible manner.