In this “masterpiece of discernment and insight” (The New York Times Book Review), acclaimed biographer Kati Marton sets out to pierce the mystery of Angela Merkel’s unlikely ascent. With unparalleled access to the chancellor’s inner circle and a trove of records only recently come to light, she uncovers the unique political genius and secret to Merkel’s success. No modern leader so ably confronted Russian aggression, enacted daring social policies, and calmly unified an entire continent in an era with countries becoming more divided. Merkel cleverly outmaneuvered strongmen like Putin and Trump and weathered surprisingly complicated relationships with allies like Obama and Macron.