Ludwig II - the Fairy Tale King - was King of Bavaria from 1864 until his mysterious death. He succeeded to the throne aged 18. Two years later Bavaria was effectively absorbed into the German Empire. Ludwig remained King of Bavaria, but largely ignored such state affairs as remained to Bavaria in favor of extravagant artistic and architectural projects. He commissioned the construction of two lavish palaces and the Neuschwanstein Castle, and was a devoted patron of the composer Richard Wagner. Ludwig spent the royal revenues (but not state funds) on these projects, borrowed extensively, and...