Konrad Adenauer was one of modern Germanys great statesman and perhaps its most remarkable representative: his long life spanned all important epochs, ranging from the Bismarkian Empire to the Federal Republic. This books is the first major biography in English on Adenauer, written by one of Germanys most influential historians. Using previously inaccessible records kept by Adenauers closest colleagues and only recently released official documents, Hans-Peter Schwartz is able to cast new light on controversial aspects of many of Adenauers policy decisions and draw a detailed picture of Adenauers rise to power.