Prussian Army Soldiers and the Seven Years' War - by Katrin Möbius & Sascha Möbius (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The army of Frederick the Great of Prussia is generally known as an efficient fighting machine based on brutal and strict drill procedures that led to broken but fearless soldiers as well as glorious battle victories. In analysing the mentalities of the men who established Prussia's great power status, Prussian Army Soldiers and the Seven Years' Warfundamentally challenges this interpretation.

Drawing on a vast array of primary sources (including the writing of regimental chaplain Küster, who could probably be called the first modern military psychologist) and presenting the first English translation of 12 letters of common Prussian soldiers from the Seven Years' War, this book shows that the soldiers were feeling individuals. They were loving husbands, vulnerable little brothers, deeply religious preachers, and sometimes even bold adventurers. All these individuals, however, were united by one idea which made them fight efficiently: honour.

In Prussian Army Soldiers and the Seven Years' War, the different elements of the Prussian soldiers' concept of such honour are expertly analysed. The result is a nuanced, sophisticated, and much-needed psychological history of Frederick the Great's army.

Review Quotes

Prussian Army Soldiers is an invaluable contribution to new military history. The authors succeed in doing what is almost impossible: providing an intimate glimpse into the mindset and emotional experiences of eighteenth-century Prussian enlisted soldiers ... This fascinating study provides a glimpse into the psyche of Prussian soldiers and is essential reading for those studying military history, especially during the era of Frederick the Great.
H-War

[A] valuable work for those studying the social history of eighteenth-century.
British Journal for Military History

Rather than being of interest only to military historians, this book is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the social and cultural backgrounds of Prussian soldiers in the eighteenth century, as well as their psychological emotions in battle ... the Möbiuses' book is thoroughly well researched and provides an anglophone audience with access to a great wealth of Prussian primary source material.
Journal for Eighteenth-Century-Studies

About the Author

Katrin Möbius is a historian, specialising in linguistic, life-world and psycho-historic aspects of power structures from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century. She has published articles on 18th and 19th-century military history in English, Spanish, and German journals.

Sascha Möbius is a historian, specialising in the history of organised violence, political repression and power structures from the late Middle Ages to the 20th century. Amongst his publications are numerous books and articles on military history of the 18th and 19th centuries in English, Spanish and German.