Julius Desing

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Having just recently had the opportunity to visit the fairy tale castle of Neuschwanstein castle in Bavaria, German which was home to King Ludwig II. I picked up this short book on his life and was really pleased with this compact but informative read. Certainly a case of good things come in small packages.
The castle was Walt Disney's inspiration for his Disney's Fairy Tale Castle.

Kind Ludwig has a fascinating but tragic story and while reading many books on German history I remember him being referred to as "Mad Kind Ludwig" but having read this book and listened to tour guides I think its a more a case he who dares be different will suffer the consequences of the times and be deemed mad if he is eccentric or different.

A superb little book that is well written and informative with plenty of images. I would consider this well worth the read for anyone intending on visiting this castle or indeed who wish to know a little more about this fascinating historical figure and his legacy of stunning Bavarian Castles.
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This slim volume (which exists in a number of different language editions) recounts the life, obsessions, downfall and mysterious death of King Ludwig II of Bavaria - better known as 'Mad King Ludwig', the sponsor of Wagner and builder of the fantastic castles of Linderhof, Herrenchiemsee and (most spectacularly) Neuschwanstein.

The English is quaint, the attitude distinctly uncritical (there is a minor cult surrounding Ludwig and this booklet definitely panders to it), Ludwig's possible homosexuality is definitely not challenged and the other Bavarian politicians are painted as villains. Bismarck has a cameo role, but is generally portrayed as a hero (despite his playing little part in the story of Ludwig). No explanation is given for Ludwig's mysterious death, and although conspiracies are hinted at, the booklet at least does little to fuel pointless speculation.

We would probably not identify Ludwig as 'mad', merely perhaps as a little obsessive. History has generally not been kind to him, but this booklet is a bit too much the other way.… (more)