For sincere students of history it should be worthwhile reading because Bengtsson's ability to review and recreate the events of Charles' life, the qualities of the man himself and how they affected his actions on the field of battle as well as in the drama of political life, and the many international figures who played their parts, is outstanding and creates an intelligent and sympathetic analysis of ""a splendid anachronism"". The progress from childhood days in Sweden, his position as an absolute monarch on his accession, his march against Denmark, his tremendous victory, at 18, over the Russians at Narva, the long campaign that led to defeat at Poltava nine years later, after invading Poland and Saxony, moves to his flight to Turkey and the years he spent there, part of them as prisoner, and winds up with his escape to Sweden and the fatal invasion of Norway. Translated from the Swedish by Naomi Walford, this is destined for those who follow military biography, history and unique figures. (Kirkus)