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Von König's War
One Man, One Vision
by
Karl Müller
and
Thomas Butler Anderson
Von König’s War examines the extraordinary rise of Aldrich von König—one of Germany’s most enigmatic and influential figures in modern history. Told through the meticulous chronicles of his friend and fellow officer Karl Müller, this volume explores von König’s early years, characterized by intellectual brilliance, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty. After distinguishing himself through conspicuous valor during the Great War and earning the coveted Blue Max, von König emerged as a beacon of hope amidst the shattered aftermath. In the turbulent years following the war, von König’s intense opposition to communism—and specifically to Ernst Thälmann—deepened significantly through his clandestine command of a covert military operation in Russia, solidifying his determination to protect Germany from ideological threats. Yet, as Adolf Hitler ascended—his fervent nationalism and anti-communist stance echoing aspects of von König’s own beliefs—Aldrich was faced with a profound moral dilemma: could collaboration with Hitler’s increasingly radical methods ever be justified, even in the name of Germany's future? Drawn from Müller’s original writings and previously undiscovered historical documents, this first of three volumes chronicles von König’s formative years, his ascension to prominence, and his relentless pursuit of a robust and sovereign Germany, free from the crippling restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles.
Karl Müller was a son of Bavaria, born and raised on a family farm nestled among the rolling hills outside Munich. The Müller farm—renowned for its fine dairy cattle, fragrant apple orchards, and robust hops prized by local brewers—was a place of hard work and enduring tradition. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the land, Müller developed a disciplined work ethic and a deep appreciation for the stories and history that shaped his homeland. A devout Lutheran, Müller’s faith and love for Germany became central pillars of his character. Even as a boy, Müller’s curiosity extended beyond the boundaries of the farm. A voracious reader, he was captivated by history, military strategy, and the cultural legacy of his nation. These interests guided his academic pursuits and laid the foundation for his lifelong work chronicling Germany’s transformative years. In 1910 Müller’s life changed irrevocably when he met Aldrich von König, a man destined to leave a profound mark on Germany and the world. The two formed a deep friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared ideals, a bond that endured for more than four decades. Karl Müller’s importance in history cannot be overstated. His friendship with Aldrich von König placed him at the epicenter of pivotal events in modern history, and his meticulous documentation preserved the legacy of a leader and the era he shaped. Müller’s chronicles provide not just a window into von König’s life but also a broader understanding of the forces and decisions that defined a century. After 1950 Karl Müller disappeared, leaving his story tantalizingly unfinished. Yet his works provide a vivid portrait of a partnership—two men, Aldrich and Karl—who together altered the course of history. About the Curator: Thomas Butler Anderson, BSc, is a reclusive computer enthusiast with a penchant for daydreaming, living atop a windswept rock on an island in the Salish Sea. Anderson has crafted a quiet life, far removed from the distractions and conventions of the modern world. Preferring the comforting company of his wife, his dog, and their two cats, Anderson—an avid gamer—endorses philosopher Nick Bostrom's provocative argument, noting that if we are indeed living in a simulation, he has found his settings to be just about right. Anderson found his lifelong enthusiasm for science, technology, and history perfectly aligned upon discovering Karl Müller's remarkable chronicles. This discovery became a defining moment, granting him the rare opportunity to bring his vivid daydreams to life through the lens of Müller’s meticulous historical records.
Contributors
- Author
- Karl Müller
- Author
- Thomas Butler Anderson