Not only does this book deal with one of the most remarkable individuals of German history of the late 18th-early 19th centuries, it also explores some new foundations of liberalism in Germany. Humboldt represents a different aspect of Germany than we usually associate with later Bismarkian notions of the central role of the bureaucratic state. We do not generally think of German political thinkers (apart from Kant) as significant contributors to the development of the liberal tradition. Yet, in both his writings and in his political and governmental life, Humboldt's absolute defense of liberty, advocacy of individuality, skepticism about the role of the state and active promotion of liberal and democratic institutions make him an outstanding exemplar of the often neglected German branch of classical liberalism.