The Life and Times of Stein: Volume 1 Or, Germany and Prussia in the Napoleonic Age

Heinrich Friedrich Karl vom und zum Stein (1757?1831) was a Prussian statesman who contributed to the political transformation of Germany and Prussia during the Napoleonic Period, a transformation that led eventually to the unification of Germany in 1871. In Volume 1 of this three-part biography, originally published in 1878, Seeley records Stein's life from his birth until 1807, when he was central to negotiations with Napoleon at Tilsit and abolished the institution of serfdom. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in the Napoleonic Period or the history of Germany.

Preface; Part I. Before the Catastrophe: 1. Stein's early years; 2. The Prussian service; 3. Prussia at war with the revolution; 4. Within the line of demarcation; 5. Stein as minister of finance; Part II. The Catastrophe: 1. Character of the Prussian state; 2. Frederick William II and Frederick William III; 3. Napoleon and the empire; 4. Neutrality of Prussia; 5. The catastrophe of Prussia; 6. Stein during the war; 7. Stein in retirement; Part III. Ministry of Stein - First Period: 1. Constitution and task of the ministry; 2. Stein's colleagues; 3. Preparation of the emancipating edict; 4. The emancipating edict; 5. Stein's position; 6. Negotiations.