Ludwig II of Bavaria, known as the Swan King or Dream King, was a beloved boy-king whose life ended tragically and mysteriously, after being betrayed by those around him. He dedicated his life to pursuing an ideal of beauty, which he manifested in three remarkable architectural projects: Neuschwanstein Castle, and the palaces of Linderhof and Herrenchiemsee. These structures are now major German tourist destinations. Dan Cruickshank examines Ludwig's distinctive aesthetic, from the fairytale-like, mock-medieval Neuschwanstein – the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle – to the opulent Baroque grandeur of Herrenchiemsee, designed to rival Versailles. Cruickshank contends that Ludwig's castles are not mere extravagance, but hold the key to understanding the enduring mystery of his life.