Fritz Stern's 'Gold and Iron' chronicles the complex relationship between Otto von Bismarck and his banker Gerson Bleichroder, highlighting the latter's significant contributions to the founding of the German Empire and his eventual marginalization due to anti-Semitism. The book is praised for its compelling narrative and its insights into 19th-century German society.
Fritz Stern's 'Gold and Iron' delves into the intricate partnership between Otto von Bismarck and his banker, Gerson Bleichroder. The book reveals how Bleichroder's financial acumen and loyalty were instrumental in the establishment of the German Empire, yet his Jewish heritage ultimately led to his historical obscurity. Bleichroder's story is one of both success and tragedy, as he navigated the treacherous waters of German society, seeking acceptance and respectability that were ultimately denied to him. The book is not only a fascinating historical account but also a poignant commentary on the pervasive anti-Semitism of the time. Stern's work is commended for its depth and relevance, offering valuable insights into the social and political dynamics of 19th-century Germany.
Quick quotes
The book is an account of a Jewish success that proved utterly delusive, so much so, in fact, that Bismarck omitted to mention his banker's name in his memoirs.
It may be a pardonable exaggeration to say that Bleichroder is everything that has been left out of German history.
Gold and Iron' undoubtedly ranks among the year's significant books. As history, as biography and as sociology, it is compelling reading.