300 Jahre Friedrich II

Published in 2013 by Edition Lumière, 300 Jahre Friedrich II was released to coincide with the tercentenary of the birth of Frederick the Great. Author Holger Böning, a respected historian of the Enlightenment and the history of the press, intended this volume to synthesize the complexities of the Prussian monarch’s legacy rather than merely providing a hagiographic retelling of his life. The work situates Frederick within the intellectual currents of the eighteenth century, examining how his policies and persona were shaped by the era's philosophical advancements.

The design and editorial direction of the book reflect Edition Lumière's commitment to scholarly, archival-focused history. By grounding the narrative in primary sources and critical analysis, Böning’s text was received as a nuanced contribution to Prussian historiography, intended for an audience familiar with the intricacies of European political history. The volume serves as a careful examination of Frederick’s impact on modern governance and culture, maintaining a balanced perspective that remains standard for critical studies of the period.