Histoire de mon temps

Histoire de mon temps is a historical work by Frederick the Great, written in 1746. It covers the events of his reign up to that point, offering his perspective on contemporary history. Frederick, who reigned as King of Prussia from 1740 to 1786, was a brilliant military strategist and an advocate of enlightened absolutism.12

The work reflects Frederick's belief that kingship is a duty requiring tireless work and personal rule to ensure the state's well-being. He prioritized the needs of the state (raison d'état) above personal comfort or even the immediate happiness of his subjects. While he admired French culture and language, his historical account focuses on the political and military events of his time, showcasing his role in significantly expanding Prussia's territories and establishing it as a major European power.123