In this volume Dirk Mellies is concerned with the role of the Prussian state and society in the moderization process that took place in the 19th century. He begins with the Prussian province of Pomerania, considered the "backwoods" of its day, and shows how it figured in the various sections of the Prussian state and society during the moderization process of the 19th century. Emphasis is placed on three fields of study: erection of a school system, expansion of infrastructure and development of structures of civil society, each of which furthered or hindered progress in that territory. The author also shows that the usual cliches about this province in East Elbia are not completely without foundation, although they must be modified considerably.