Leopold von Ranke (21 December 1795 - 23 May 1886) was a German historian and a founder of modern source-based history. According to Caroline Hoefferle, "Ranke was probably the most important historian to shape historical profession as it emerged in Europe and the United States in the late 19th century." 

The booklet explores some of Ranke's work such as "Universal History", but also the context in which it was written- the 19^th century, and the wave of industrial revolution that was ridden by Germany and the rest of Europe. Liebeschutz also takes a critical look at Ranke's theory on the politics of Europe and perhaps his short-sightedness on the matter of peace within Europe, as Germany vied to take the place of an 18^th century France in a 19^th century world...