3257. Bismarck and the Development of Germany: Volume I The Period of Unification, 1815-1871, by Otto Pflanze (read Oct 18, 1999) I've been wanting to read this book and its succeeding two volumes ever since I first saw them on a local college library shelf, and decided if I did not read them I never would. (How profound!) The first 100 pages were heavy going, but when Bismarck's career became the focus of the book the narrative becomes absorbing. This is a magisterial and stupendous work of real history, told in a masterful way. ( )