In 1848, an 18-year-old boy assumed the throne of Austria, one of the most powerful countries in Europe. He would be its last significant emperor, the only monarch to serve two countries, and the last cogent head of the prestigious Habsburg dynasty. Emperor Franz Joseph's reign was marked by revolutions, often fueled by rising liberalism and nationalism, and wars orchestrated by conquering architects such as Napoleon, Metternich, and Bismarck.

This book gives attention to these political and cultural events, but it is essentially a biography of Emperor Franz Joseph and his enigmatic wife, Empress Elisabeth. Franz Joseph, with an overwhelming sense of dynastic responsibility, played all the roles assigned to him as Emperor. Elisabeth played none, as a wife, mother or Empress. Many factors played a part in her ""abdication"" and in the decisions Franz Joseph made during his reign - none more enigmatic than the self-proclaimed Peace Emperor's final act of mobilising of Austria-Hungary's armies, detonating World War I at the cost of 16 million lives.

About the Author
Karen B. Owens' professional career spans both therapy and academia as past director of Diagnostic Services, a college professor, and visiting professor in England as lecturer in several universities. She lives in Winter Park, Florida.


Book Information
ISBN 9780786476749
Author Karen B. Owens
Format Paperback
Page Count 200
Imprint McFarland & Co Inc
Publisher McFarland & Co Inc
Weight(grams) 292g