In Taylor's book, Bismarck, the Man and the Statesman and Medlicocott's novel, Bismarck and Modern Germany, they both have differences and similarities. First, a summary of each book's contents is appropriate. The work by Taylor focuses on Bismarck's political career, with little else. This is not a portrait of a man that evaluates his background and tries to draw conclusions from his childhood for example. Rather, this volume focuses on the man's rise to power during the 1860s as well as his downfall. While it does not draw on extraneous materials, it does examine the man's motives and ideas far beyond the usual fare in this genre. The work is certainly written with a political point of view in mind, but objectivity is maintained to a degree. The author keeps the subject at arms length but it seems there is an anti-German sentiment woven in the pages of this work.
             The book by Mendlicott embraces Bismarck's political career as well, and is also not a biographical account in the traditional sense. Instead, this work focuses on the man's role in Germany and the impact his stint in power had on the nation. In some ways it is more of a country study. Yet, Bismarck's rule and personal strategies are revealed to some extent. The work is rather objective and looks at the career of Bismarck as it affects German history. The work is well written and flows chronologically. The author is effective in conveying the point that Bismarck had a significant effect on the future of Germany.
             Each author broaches the same subject matter, but with a different point of view. It appears that Taylor does try to be objective and does an excellent job. However, his anti-German sentiments seem to come through a bit. Other than that, Taylor writes from a political point of view, where a thorough analysis of the life and times of Bismarck are examined inclusive of outside political events. In fact, other significant world events play a major role ...