"The Last Days of Budapest is a masterpiece. Immaculately researched, it is packed with large-than-life characters and revelations about the unknown espionage history of the Second World War…. This is history as it should be written: utterly engrossing." -Malcolm Brabant, author of the New York Times bestseller The Daughter of Auschwitz Budapest, autumn 1943.   After four years of war, Hungary was firmly allied with Nazi Germany. Budapest swirled with intrigue and betrayal, home to spies and agents of every kind. But the city remained an oasis in the midst of conflict where Allied POWs and Polish and Jewish refugees found sanctuary.   All that came to an end in March 1944 when the Nazis invaded. By the summer Allied bombers were pounding Budapest’s grand boulevards and historic squares. By late December the city was surrounded and under siege from the advancing Red Army. Tens of thousands of soldiers and civilians died in the savage fighting as Budapest collapsed into anarchy. Hungarian death squads roamed the streets as the city’s Jews were forced into ghettos or were shot into the Danube. Russian artillery hammered the city into smoking rubble as starving residents struggled to survive the winter.   Using newly uncovered diaries, documents, archival material and interviews with the last survivors, Adam LeBor has brilliantly recreated life and death in wartime Budapest.   Read more

"An extraordinary and compelling book of reckonings." —Philippe SandsAn extraordinary memoir of a Jewish family spanning two world wars and its flight from Nazi-occupied Austria.Meriel Schindler spent her adult life trying to keep her father, Kurt, at bay. But when he died in 2017, he left behind piles of Nazi-era documents related to her family’s fate in Innsbruck, Austria, and a treasure trove of family albums reaching back to before World War I. Meriel was forced to confront not only their fractured relationship, but also the truth behind their family history.The Lost Café Schindler re-creates the journey of an extraordinary family, whose relatives included the Jewish doctor who treated Hitler’s mother when she was dying of breast cancer; the Kafka family; and Alma Schindler, the wife of Gustav Mahler. The narrative centers around the Café Schindler, the social hub of Innsbruck. Famous for its pastries, home-distilled liquors, live entertainment, and hospitality, the restaurant attracted Austrians from all walks of life. But as conditions became untenable for Jews in Austria during the Nazi era, the Schindlers were forced to leave, and their café was expropriated.Meriel reconstructs the color and vibrancy of life in prewar Innsbruck against the majestic backdrop of the Austrian Alps, as well as the creeping menace and, finally, terror of the Nazi occupation. Ultimately, The Lost Café Schindler is a story of tragic loss—several relatives disappeared in Terezín and Auschwitz—but also one of reclamation and reconciliation. Beautifully written, it is an unforgettable portrait of an era and a testament to the pull of family history on future generations. Read more

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The definitive history of a powerful family dynasty who dominated Europe for centuries -- from their rise to power to their eventual downfall.In The Habsburgs, Martyn Rady tells the epic story of a dynasty and the world it built -- and then lost -- over nearly a millennium. From modest origins, the Habsburgs gained control of the Holy Roman Empire in the fifteenth century. Then, in just a few decades, their possessions rapidly expanded to take in a large part of Europe, stretching from Hungary to Spain, and parts of the New World and the Far East. The Habsburgs continued to dominate Central Europe through the First World War. Historians often depict the Habsburgs as leaders of a ramshackle empire. But Rady reveals their enduring power, driven by the belief that they were destined to rule the world as defenders of the Roman Catholic Church, guarantors of peace, and patrons of learning. The Habsburgs is the definitive history of a remarkable dynasty that forever changed Europe and the world. Read more

Discover the captivating history of Europe’s second-oldest dynasty—the Habsburgs! Free History BONUS Inside! The Habsburg family ruled central Europe since the early medieval times to World War I, but they still exist as one of the most prestigious Austrian families. Although the family once ruled the largest territory in Europe, it has been reduced to a wealthy family who has all but forgotten their past. But to keep themselves in such high positions, the Habsburgs had to develop unique strategies to fight their political enemies. They wanted to rule the world and saw themselves as the only dynasty worthy of such divine right. To keep the family pure, they often married within their family, which resulted in a very weak genetic pool and many mental and physical problems. In this book, you will discover what the Habsburg jaw is, how one family envisioned the European Union, and how conservatism can ruin an empire. The story of the Habsburg family transcends the ages, and each member who once ruled was a unique persona, deserving of our attention. The dynasty ruled the Holy Roman Empire for the longest, and even when they lost it, they were capable of founding their own: the Austrian Empire. However, like any other family, they had problems of their own, which led to intrigues, arguments, and splits. Learn how the Habsburg family divided and how they ruled Spain as well as central Europe until King Charles the Cursed died, leaving no heir. And finally, this book will show you the truth behind the murder of Franz Ferdinand and the start of World War I, making you wonder if the Habsburg Empire ever had to end. What would the future of Europe be like if the nations were still united under one ruler? And is it possible for so many nations to share the same government, culture, and history? Follow the Habsburgs through the centuries of their existence and discover: Who were the Habsburgs, and where did they come from?Personal traits of various Habsburg rulersThe family feuds and religious and national splitsThe cultural influence of the Habsburgs on EuropeThe governmental innovations of different Habsburg rulersThe enlightened rulers of central EuropeMaria Theresa, one of the strongest Habsburg rulersHow did the end of the Holy Roman Empire come about?How did a Bosnian-Serb bring about the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?Where are the Habsburgs today?And much more!Scroll up and click the “add to cart” button to learn more about the history of the Habsburg Empire! Read more

Discover the remarkable life of Harry Houdini...Free BONUS Inside!He jumped shackled into rivers and lakes, he was buried alive, and, on occasion, he even escaped from milk cans. Harry Houdini’s stunts are legendary, but what drove this man to such lengths of spectacle?In this book, we explore both the stunts Houdini pulled off on stage as well as the life he led off stage. You will learn the true trade secrets of this magician, a man who loved his family more than life itself. Houdini was also a man intrigued by spirits but made it his quest to debunk spiritualism. Yes, at times he seemed to be a living contradiction, but it all made sense to him. Here is the life and legend of Harry Houdini in full.Discover a plethora of topics such asBecoming Harry HoudiniLove and MarriageFake Cures and a Healthy Dose of SkepticismHoudini’s Failed AttemptsThe Prison BreakA Tragic EndAnd much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on Harry Houdini, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access! Read more

Two manuscripts in one book:History of Austria: A Captivating Guide to Austrian HistoryThe Habsburg Empire: A Captivating Guide to the House of Austria and the Impact the Habsburgs Had on the Holy Roman EmpireWhen Austrian President Franz Jonas visited the Vatican in 1971, Pope Paul VI named Austria “the Island of the Blessed.” He did so to emphasize Austria’s steep recovery. Only twenty-five years had passed since the end of the Second World War, and Austria was already one of the most prosperous European countries.One might argue that Austria was always a rich country, and during the times of its Habsburg rulers, it certainly was. But after the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Austria was lost between two worlds—its German heritage and its multi-ethnic nation. As such, it was easy for Nazi Germany to hijack Austria, integrate it in its anti-Semitic scheme, and make it defy the whole Western world. Austria was deeply involved in the atrocities of World War II, but somehow, it managed to rise above it quicker than anyone would expect.Since its beginning as the Eastern March, through the rise of its ruling Habsburg dynasty, and through many ideological and ethnic wars, Austria managed to maintain its unique personality, although it never really had a strictly defined identity. It is no wonder many scholars like to describe the history of Austria as one without a nation. In modern society, it is not always clear how a country could exist without a nation, so if you are curious to understand how this is possible, continue reading to understand the complex series of events that led to the foundation of modern-day Austria and the modern Austrian identity.Some of the topics covered in part 1 of this book include:When Austria was first mentioned by its name ÖsterreichThe Roman Lime and how it related to AustriaThe Babenbergs, the earliest rulers of AustriaHow the Habsburgs took over the ruleWhat A.E.I.O.U. stands for and how it translates to the divine right to ruleLearn all about the Habsburgs as Holy Roman emperorsHow Austria dealt with the Reformation and the Counter-ReformationThe enlightened rulers of the Habsburg EmpireHow the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary came to beLearn more about the revolution in central Europe and the rise of the SlavsWho shot Franz Ferdinand and how the Great War really startedHow Austria joined Germany and became a Nazi stateSome of the topics covered in part 2 of this book include:Who were the Habsburgs, and where did they come from?Personal traits of various Habsburg rulersThe family feuds and religious and national splitsThe cultural influence of the Habsburgs on EuropeThe governmental innovations of different Habsburg rulersThe enlightened rulers of central EuropeMaria Theresa, one of the strongest Habsburg rulersHow did the end of the Holy Roman Empire come about?How did a Bosnian-Serb bring about the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?Where are the Habsburgs today?And much more!So if you want to learn more about the History of Austria and the Habsburg Empire, scroll up and click the "add to cart" button! Read more

A EuropeNow Editor’s PickA Choice Outstanding Academic Title of the Year“Pieter M. Judson’s book informs and stimulates. If his account of Habsburg achievements, especially in the 18th century, is rather starry-eyed, it is a welcome corrective to the black legend usually presented. Lucid, elegant, full of surprising and illuminating details, it can be warmly recommended to anyone with an interest in modern European history.”—Tim Blanning, Wall Street Journal“This is an engaging reappraisal of the empire whose legacy, a century after its collapse in 1918, still resonates across the nation-states that replaced it in central Europe. Judson rejects conventional depictions of the Habsburg empire as a hopelessly dysfunctional assemblage of squabbling nationalities and stresses its achievements in law, administration, science and the arts.”—Tony Barber, Financial Times“Spectacularly revisionist… Judson argues that…the empire was a force for progress and modernity… This is a bold and refreshing book… Judson does much to destroy the picture of an ossified regime and state.”—A. W. Purdue, Times Higher Education“Judson’s reflections on nations, states and institutions are of broader interest, not least in the current debate on the future of the European Union after Brexit.”—Annabelle Chapman, Prospect Read more

From the acclaimed author of In the Shadow of the Empress comes the thrilling, “richly detailed, entertaining” chronicle of two of the most influential and glamorous women in nineteenth-century Europe—Elisabeth, empress of Austria, and Eugénie, empress of France—and their efforts to rule amid the scandal, intrigue, tragedy, and violence of their era (Kirkus Reviews, starred review). When they married Emperors Franz Joseph and Napoleon III, respectively, Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France became two of the most famous women on the planet. Young and beautiful—becoming cultural and fashion icons of their time—they also played a pivotal role in ruling their realms during a tempestuous era characterized by unprecedented political and technological change.   Fearless, adventurous, and independent, Elisabeth and Eugénie represented a new kind of empress—one who rebelled against tradition and anticipated and embraced modern values. Yet both women endured hardship in their private and public lives. Elisabeth was plagued by a mother-in-law who snatched her infant children away and undermined her authority at court. Eugénie’s husband was an infamous philanderer who could not match the military prowess of his namesake. Between them, Elisabeth and Eugénie were personally involved in every major international confrontation in their turbulent century, which witnessed thrilling technological advances as well as revolutions, assassinations, and wars. With her characteristic jump-off-the-page writing and in-depth research, Nancy Goldstone brings to life these two remarkable women, as Europe goes through the convulsions that led up to the international landscape we recognize today. Read more

An essential new history of Central Europe, the contested lands so often at the heart of world history     Central Europe has long been infamous as a region beset by war, a place where empires clashed and world wars began. In The Middle Kingdoms, Martyn Rady offers the definitive history of the region, demonstrating that Central Europe has always been more than merely the fault line between West and East. Even as Central European powers warred with their neighbors, the region developed its own cohesive identity and produced tremendous accomplishments in politics, society, and culture. Central Europeans launched the Reformation and Romanticism, developed the philosophy of the Renaissance and the Enlightenment, and advanced some of the twentieth century’s most important artistic movements.    Drawing on a lifetime of research and scholarship, The Middle Kingdoms tells as never before the captivating story of two thousand years of Central Europe’s history and its enduring significance in world affairs. Read more

A group history of the Austrian School of Economics, from the coffeehouses of imperial Vienna to the modern-day Tea Party The Austrian School of Economics—a movement that has had a vast impact on economics, politics, and society, especially among the American right—is poorly understood by supporters and detractors alike. Defining themselves in opposition to the mainstream, economists such as Ludwig von Mises, Friedrich Hayek, and Joseph Schumpeter built the School's international reputation with their work on business cycles and monetary theory. Their focus on individualism—and deep antipathy toward socialism—ultimately won them a devoted audience among the upper echelons of business and government. In this collective biography, Janek Wasserman brings these figures to life, showing that in order to make sense of the Austrians and their continued influence, one must understand the backdrop against which their philosophy was formed—notably, the collapse of the Austro†‘Hungarian Empire and a half†‘century of war and exile. Read more

Summer 261 AD. The Roman empire lies divided. Threatened on all sides by barbarian invasion and wracked by internal rebellions. The light of civilisation burns low. The forces loyal to emperor Gallienus are overstretched, their morale low as they do what they can to hold the empire together knowing that the final triumph of anarchy is close.Promoted to prefect of the newly formed cavalry ala, the equites foederati Germanica, Corbulo has little time to prepare his men for action. Trouble is brewing along the Danube frontier where the Germanic Quadi are once again on the move. While from the East the Macriani usurpers are advancing towards Italy, determined to challenge emperor Gallienus's power.Thrown into the desperate battle to save what remains of the empire, Corbulo and his ala are soon embroiled in the fight of their lives. Alone, outnumbered and far from home their task is complicated by treachery and division. But that is not the only challenge facing Corbulo. For from their hidden places across the empire, a new religion is rising that threatens to undo everything. Read more

'Drama, betrayal, religion and sex, it's all here ... Fascinating' GUARDIAN'Beautifully paced, impeccably written ... Don't miss it' INDEPENDENT'Fraser is at her best here, lucid, authoritative and compassionate' SUNDAY TIMES 'Superbly researched ... the definitive work on the ill-fated queen' CATHOLIC HERALDMarie Antoinette's dramatic life-story continues to arouse mixed emotions. To many people, she is still 'la reine méchante', whose extravagance and frivolity helped to bring down the French monarchy; her indifference to popular suffering epitomised by the (apocryphal) words: 'let them eat cake'. Others are equally passionate in her defence: to them, she is a victim of misogyny.Antonia Fraser examines her influence over the king, Louis XVI, the accusations and sexual slurs made against her, her patronage of the arts which enhanced French cultural life, her imprisonment, the death threats made against her, rumours of lesbian affairs, her trial (during which her young son was forced to testify to sexual abuse by his mother) and her eventual execution by guillotine in 1793. Read more

In 1683, an Ottoman army that stretched from horizon to horizon set out to seize the "Golden Apple," as Turks referred to Vienna. The ensuing siege pitted battle-hardened Janissaries wielding seventeenth-century grenades against Habsburg armies, widely feared for their savagery. The walls of Vienna bristled with guns as the besieging Ottoman host launched bombs, fired cannons, and showered the populace with arrows during the battle for Christianity's bulwark. Each side was sustained by the hatred of its age-old enemy, certain that victory would be won by the grace of God.The Great Siege of Vienna is the centerpiece for historian Andrew Wheatcroft's richly drawn portrait of the centuries-long rivalry between the Ottoman and Habsburg empires for control of the European continent. A gripping work by a master historian, The Enemy at the Gate offers a timely examination of an epic clash of civilizations. Read more

A prize-winning, magisterial history of World War I from the perspective of the defeated Central Powers For the Central Powers, the First World War started with high hopes for an easy victory. But those hopes soon deteriorated as Germany's attack on France failed, Austria-Hungary's armies suffered catastrophic losses, and Britain's ruthless blockade brought both nations to the brink of starvation. The Central powers were trapped in the Allies' ever-tightening Ring of Steel. In this compelling history, Alexander Watson retells the war from the perspective of its losers: not just the leaders in Berlin and Vienna, but the people of Central Europe. The war shattered their societies, destroyed their states, and imparted a poisonous legacy of bitterness and violence. A major reevaluation of the First World War, Ring of Steel is essential for anyone seeking to understand the last century of European history. Read more

How much Eastern European history do you know?The story of Eastern Europe is one of successes and failures, competing interests, and the rise and fall of states and empires. The ancient Greek and Roman empires knew the importance of Eastern Europe for trade and settlement. Later, during the Migration Period, also known as the “Barbarian Invasions,” Eastern Europe became the stomping grounds for many people groups. The Visigoths, Huns, Slavs, and central Asian Turkic tribes like the Avars and Khazars all made their way into Eastern Europe.With so many people moving in, the first states started to rise. Some of them would break apart as soon as they started, while others would form full-fledged empires. The medieval period would see some of the greatest empires of European history, like Kievan Rus, the Bulgarian Empire, Serbia, and the German Crusader states. By the early modern period, these great states would be replaced by Russia, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Ottoman Empire.In the coming centuries, the rise of Russia, Austria, and Prussia would spell doom for the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and the Ottomans would keep pressing into Eastern Europe. The 19th century would lay the foundations for the outbreak of World War I, which would itself lead to World War II. In the aftermath, Eastern Europe became part of the Eastern Bloc, which was dominated by the USSR until the fall of communism nearly five decades later. This book extends past contemporary histories of Eastern Europe, which usually end at the fall of the Berlin Wall, to cover more recent events, including the conflicts in Bosnia and Kosovo and the 2014 Crimean crisis.In this book, you will learn about:The Greek and Roman influence in Eastern EuropeThe Migration Period, aka the “Barbarian Invasions”Charlemagne and the Holy Roman EmpireThe Mongol invasionsChristian Europe vs. the Ottoman EmpireThe fall of ConstantinopleThe rise of Russia and its famous rulers, like Ivan the Terrible and Catherine the GreatThe path to World War I and World War IIThe Jewish experience in Eastern EuropeThe Soviet Union and the Eastern BlocThe fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of communismThe conflicts in Bosnia and KosovoThe 2014 Russian annexation of CrimeaTo learn more about Eastern Europe than you ever thought possible, add The History of Eastern Europe to your cart today! Read more

A monumental work of history that reveals the Ottoman dynasty's important role in the emergence of early modern EuropeThe Ottomans have long been viewed as despots who conquered through sheer military might, and whose dynasty was peripheral to those of Europe. The Last Muslim Conquest transforms our understanding of the Ottoman Empire, showing how Ottoman statecraft was far more pragmatic and sophisticated than previously acknowledged, and how the Ottoman dynasty was a crucial player in the power struggles of early modern Europe.In this panoramic and multifaceted book, Gábor Ágoston captures the grand sweep of Ottoman history, from the dynasty's stunning rise to power at the turn of the fourteenth century to the Siege of Vienna in 1683, which ended Ottoman incursions into central Europe. He discusses how the Ottoman wars of conquest gave rise to the imperial rivalry with the Habsburgs, and brings vividly to life the intrigues of sultans, kings, popes, and spies. Ágoston examines the subtler methods of Ottoman conquest, such as dynastic marriages and the incorporation of conquered peoples into the Ottoman administration, and argues that while the Ottoman Empire was shaped by Turkish, Iranian, and Islamic influences, it was also an integral part of Europe and was, in many ways, a European empire.Rich in narrative detail, The Last Muslim Conquest looks at Ottoman military capabilities, frontier management, law, diplomacy, and intelligence, offering new perspectives on the gradual shift in power between the Ottomans and their European rivals and reframing the old story of Ottoman decline. Read more

The Habsburgs: A Dynastic Journey through European HistoryIf you want to witness the rise and fall of a dynasty that shaped Europe without the dryness of textbooks, then keep reading...Why This Book?Delve into the sprawling saga of the Habsburg dynasty, whose influence was felt across Europe for over six centuries. From their humble beginnings to their dramatic decline during World War I, this book provides a captivating look at the rulers who sat at the heart of European power and intrigue.What Sets This Book Apart:Cultural Influence: Explore how the Habsburgs were patrons of the arts, turning Vienna into a cultural powerhouse during the Renaissance.Diplomatic Mastery: Unravel the web of strategic marriages that extended their power across Europe, ensuring their dominance through shrewd alliances.Military and Religious Might: From the battlefields of the Thirty Years’ War to their staunch defense of Catholicism, discover the dual pillars of their power.Dynastic Marriages: Understand why matrimony was not merely a matter of the heart but a cornerstone of their political strategy.Global Empire: Marvel at the vast Habsburg realm, from the Americas to the Far East, illustrating their unprecedented influence.Why You Can't Miss This Journey:Through engaging narrative and vivid detail, this book doesn’t just recount facts but brings the personalities and dramatic events of the Habsburg era to life. Witness the complex interplay of relationships and rivalries that dictated the political landscape of an entire continent.Your Invitation:Embark on a riveting journey through time with "The Habsburgs". This book isn’t just a window into the past; it’s a doorway into the lessons of leadership, conflict, and ambition that shaped not just a dynasty, but the whole of Europe.Discover the legacy of one of history’s most formidable and influential dynasties. Add this enthralling book to your collection and unlock the secrets of the Habsburgs. Read more

An updated new edition of a classic history of the Hungarians from their earliest origins to todayIn this absorbing and comprehensive history, Paul Lendvai tells the fascinating story of how the Hungarians, despite a string of catastrophes and their linguistic and cultural isolation, have survived as a nation for more than one thousand years. Now with a new preface and a new chapter that brings the narrative up to the present, the book describes the evolution of Hungarian politics, culture, economics, and identity since the Magyars first arrived in the Carpathian Basin in 896. Through colorful anecdotes of heroes and traitors, victors and victims, revolutionaries and tyrants, Lendvai chronicles the way progressivism and economic modernization have competed with intolerance and narrow-minded nationalism. An unforgettable blend of skilled storytelling and scholarship, The Hungarians is an authoritative account of this enigmatic and important nation. Read more

How can one European capital be responsible for most of the West’s intellectual and cultural achievements in the twentieth century?   Viennese ideas saturate the modern world. From California architecture to Hollywood Westerns, modern advertising to shopping malls, orgasms to gender confirmation surgery, nuclear fission to fitted kitchens—every aspect of our history, science, and culture is in some way shaped by Vienna.   The city of Freud, Wittgenstein, Mahler, and Klimt was the melting pot at the heart of a vast metropolitan empire. But with the Second World War and the rise of fascism, the dazzling coteries of thinkers who squabbled, debated, and called Vienna home dispersed across the world, where their ideas continued to have profound impact.   Richard Cockett gives us the entirety of this extraordinary story. Tracing Vienna’s rich intellectual history from psychoanalysis to Reaganomics, Cockett encompasses everything from the communist rebels of Red Vienna to the neoliberal economists of the Austrian School. This is the panoramic account of how one city made the modern world—and how we all remain inescapably Viennese. Read more