Includes bibliographical references (pages 343-358) and index

A childhood under communism -- In the shadow of the Berlin Wall -- Angela in Leipzig -- The unbearable boredom of being: a squatter in Berlin -- Angela becomes Merkel -- Kohl's girl -- the politics of patricide: how Merkel became party leader -- Waiting game: the patient party leader -- Merkel loses and becomes chancellor -- The making of the Queen of Europe -- Potato soup, the Pope and re-election -- The Euro-crisis and Afghanistan -- From the jaws of defeat and beyond -- Ukraine, another Greek tragedy and the refugee crisis -- Epilogue: Mother Courage or Merkiavelli?

"The in-depth biography of Angela Merkel, using exclusive new sources and research to tell how the daughter of a clergyman from East Germany rose to become one of the most powerful women in the world."--NoveList

In 2015 Time magazine named German Chancellor Angela Merkel as its Person of the Year, leaving little doubt that the woman who has held control of the European Union and successfully negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin is one of the most crucial and formidable fixtures in contemporary politics. This book is the story of the political titan's ascent from complete obscurity to become one of the most influential leaders in the world, responsible for making Germany more liberal and prosperous than it has ever been. Matthew Qvortrup weaves together Merkel's personal story with the vivid history of post-World War II Germany, combining his years of experience as a political commentator and journalist with his unique access to groundbreaking materials on Merkel--his research relies on original German sources and archives that have never been made available in English. This definitive biography follows Angela Merkel from her bleak childhood in East Germany through her meteoric rise to prominence and power, and includes up-to-date information on recent pressing concerns, such as the current refugee crisis. Offering an unprecedented look at how Merkel's inimitable personality and perspective allowed her and her staff of mostly female advisors to repeatedly outmaneuver a network of conservative male politicians, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in politics and current affairs, or simply in the story of a truly remarkable woman.--Adapted from dust jacket

One of the most crucial and formidable fixtures in contemporary politics, German Chancellor Angela Merkel has held control of the European Union and successfully negotiated with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Qvortrup weaves together Merkel's personal story with the vivid history of post-World War II Germany, with research relying on original German sources and archives that have never been made available in English