Frederick the 2nd, the Great, "Old Fritz", lives in German imagination up to today. His love for philosophy and art often veils the highly risky policy of the Silesian wars and Seven Years? War, which nearly led to the downfall of Prussia. Vivid, critical and academically sound the work demonstrates how Frederick influenced and changed his time. A basic overview over the history of the king, his different roles and functions as regent, officer, builder, collector and patron of the arts is given. Additionally his self-image as well as his survival as scholar king is addressed. These functions are linked with the history of Potsdam and Prussia, thus creating a exciting overview of the late 18th century.