Vienna is unique amongst world capitals in its consistent international importance over the centuries. From the ascent of the Habsburgs as Europe's leading dynasty to the Congress of Vienna, which reordered Europe after Napoleon, to bridge- building summits during the Cold War, it is the Austrian capital that has been the scene of key moments in European and world affairs.

History has been shaped by scores of figures influenced by their time in Vienna, including: Empress Maria Theresa, Count Metternich, Bertha von Suttner, Theodore Herzl, Gustav Mahler, Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, John F. Kennedy and many others. In a city of great composers and thinkers it is here that both the most positive and destructive ideas of recent history have developed.

From its time as the capital of an imperial superpower, through war, dissolution, dictatorship to democracy Vienna has reinvented itself and its relevance to the rest of the world.

About the Author
After studying at Aberdeen University, Angus Robertson began his journalistic career with the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) and also reported from Vienna for the BBC, US National Public Radio, Ireland's RTE and other leading broadcasters. In 2016 he was awarded the Decoration of Honour for Services to the Republic of Austria, the country's highest national honour.
From 2001 to 2017 he was a member of the UK House of Commons and in 2021 was elected as Member of the Scottish Parliament for Edinburgh Central. He is currently Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture in the Scottish government.

Reviews

'From the Congress of Vienna to the Austria World Summit the city of Vienna has hosted key meetings on peace to climate action. This is a first-class book about Vienna as the crossroads of civilization and as the international capital'

-- Arnold Schwarzenegger

'Your book is not just a declaration of love for Vienna, it is a pleasure to read and a journey of discovery even for those who know this city well'

-- Alexander Van der Bellen, President of Austria

'Angus Robertson with his intimate knowledge of the city has brilliantly chronicled Vienna's history through the centuries and illustrated it with innumerable vignettes from contemporary observers. He has succeeded in painting a thoroughly enjoyable portrait of a great international capital'

-- Hella Pick, Author and Foreign Correspondent

'"At the heart of Europe" is how the Viennese describe their city geographically. Thanks to Angus Robertson they now have a rollicking historical tribute to Vienna's pivotal role through the ages as an international city - from Roman times to the modern day, via the Habsburgs and Hitler. Clearly smitten with his adopted city, Robertson carefully selects colourful contemporary accounts to bring the past to life, while importantly not shying away from Vienna's darker moments'

-- Katya Adler, BBC Europe Editor

'What an enjoyable cosmopolitan and exuberant celebration of Vienna by a someone who really knows and loves that great city'

-- Simon Sebag Montefiore

'It offers a fresh perspective on the city in which Robertson worked as a journalist for nearly a decade and involved extensive original research'

* Glasgow Herald *

'An astonishingly comprehensive survey of the history of Vienna'

-- Yorkshire Post * Joyce MacMillan *

'Tells the story of Vienna's diplomatic and historical significance in a new, complete history of the city'

* Edinburgh Life *

'Hopefully you will all read the book by Angus Robertson...this is a really serious book about Vienna'

-- Ambassador Emil Brix, Director of Vienna Diplomatic Academy

'Vienna: The International Capital - To my knowledge it's the first and only book on that topic. Angus Robertson did fantastic research ... I think there is no peer for this book'

-- Michael Zimmerman, Austrian Ambassador to UK

'Tremendously good book, with tremendous narrative energy which powers the story forward on every page. It's beautifully written. I thought I knew about this region of Europe having worked there for many, many years. I learnt something on every page. I think it is a very, very serious achievement and congratulations, I cannot praise it too highly'

-- Allan Little, Director Edinburgh Book Festival and former BBC Special Correspondent

'Robertson's enthusiasm for his subject carries across in the breadth of accounts and the fine detail throughout. An impressive work of research, the book is a comprehensive history that in its best moments, manages to find fresh nuance in an already storied city'

-- Sam Jackson * Metropole *

'[Robertson] has an eye for the telling detail and illustrative anecdote... [with] well-chosen vignettes by contemporary observers through the ages'

-- Lord Tugendhat * House Magazine *

'A useful historical introduction to Vienna, with a focus on high politics'

-- Stefan Wagstyl * Financial Times *



Book Information
ISBN 9781780276915
Author Angus Robertson
Format Hardback
Page Count 464
Imprint Birlinn Ltd
Publisher Birlinn General
Weight(grams) 755g
Dimensions(mm) 240mm * 165mm * 40mm