Abstract

Stein's career, though relatively devoid of popular appeal, has been the subject of much historical writing which shows the changing preoccupations of German historians, but which also shows some progress in understanding. Claims that Stein's personality was unproblematical, that he drew his main inspiration from the French Revolution, or that all was well with Prussia in 1806-once made by distinguished historiansare now discredited. Stein's weakness in foreign affairs and the archaism of his outlook are generally recognized. Ritter's biography, one of the greatest in the German language, will probably stand, with room for monographs on neglected details