In this extensive German biography, the spirit of science and the spirit of storytelling have uniquely united. Golo Mann narrates a tale interwoven with countless memorable stories, the story of a life full of brilliance and decay, full of contradictions and late-resolved puzzles; he also recounts the story of a time rich in darkly impressive figures, a wild and chaotic era. Wallenstein is both the protagonist and the victim. The stage on which he stands and acts is Europe. His actions, hesitations, and failures, as well as his character, are empathetically explored and captivatingly portrayed. Golo Mann, who published an initial essay on Wallenstein as early as 1934, always precedes the narrator, examining documents and data, uncovering unknown sources, quoting and comparing, revealing reality and truth, measuring and illustrating.