Oh, that's good to know. The first half of the book focuses on his early life (Before Mexico). But you might be interested in a newer book on this topic. This book is from 2021 by a British scholar and I have my eye on it.
Hi Despina! I was excited to see your name pop up in my notifications yesterday - and happy to see you posting again!! Glad to hear there is light at the end of the tunnel 🧡
I have an idea for an alternate history where the Austrians win in 1866. The story would set in 1916 on the 50th anniversary, with an epilogue in 1941 on the 75th anniversary. You must read Richard Bassett's For God and Kaiser: The Imperial Austrian Army, 1619-1918 (2016). He recounts -- I almost fell off my chair when I read this -- that at Koniggratz, a mounted group of the Prussian King and his staff, including von Moltke and Bismarck, briefly came under Austrian artillery fire. IMAGINE if a few well placed shells had killed the King, Bismarck and Moltke! If only! An Austrian victory, or at worst and inconclusive outcome would have ensued. An utterly different and better world have happened.
First of all, that's an excellent idea. Good luck and have fun with it. And second of all, my husband owns that book and he is on his way to his bookshelf to grab it for me. I often think about how if things had gone differently a different and better world would have ensued and the horrors of the 20th century could have been avoided.
It's so lovely to see you back here. Wishing you all the best for the rest of your treatment. I'm off to the National Gallery very soon so will look out for the Manet painting!
Sorry you are in the midst of gruelling treatment, Despina.
I was fascinated to learn more about the Habsburgs on a trip to Austria a few years ago. They popped up everywhere in Vienna and Innsbruck museums. All that big chin in-breeding.
I enjoyed the film Corsage, with its modernist take on Sissi. I also remember Sylvie Guillem dancing the part of Sissi. Stunning.
Thank you for reminding me that I still need to watch Corsage. And thank you for introducing me to Sylvie Guillem. I have some rabbit holes to fall into. I loved visiting the museums in Vienna and Innsbruck too. Innsbruck was so charming. The chin in-breeding, those poor things. Have you seen the Netflix series Empress? Lots of inaccuracies but it is very entertaining. Season 2 should be coming soon.
I haven’t seen Empress yet, Despina – I’ll add that to my watch list! Thanks for the tip. Sylvie Guillem (now retired) is extraordinary, and you can find clips of dancing that role of Sissi on YouTube. (Maybe you already have.)
Just found your blog and it’s so, so good. You write with so much verve and intrigue and it’s lovely to have recommendations for further reading alongside sound historical summary. You’re amazing; thank you so much! ❤️
I'm off to Mexico in February, so thanks for the heads up on the Haslip book. Very timely for me!
Oh, that's good to know. The first half of the book focuses on his early life (Before Mexico). But you might be interested in a newer book on this topic. This book is from 2021 by a British scholar and I have my eye on it.
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Emperor-Mexico-Dramatic-Habsburg/dp/1541674197/ref=asc_df_1541674197/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=693341079312&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13500985708237254053&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9058761&hvtargid=pla-1270849586586&psc=1&mcid=2967151461933a92a58f7183e97328df
Thanks for this recommendation!
Am sorry to hear you have been in the wars. Hope it's all onwards and upwards now x
Thank you, Susanna. Yes, for sure onwards and upwards. 🌸
Hi Despina! I was excited to see your name pop up in my notifications yesterday - and happy to see you posting again!! Glad to hear there is light at the end of the tunnel 🧡
Hi Jodi, this is so nice to read. Thank you for your warm words. 🌸
Glad to see you back on here.
Sorry to hear about the cancer. I will pray for the intercession of St. Peregrine for you.
This is a good book list. I should do something like it. I have a big Habsburg collection, but not focused on Empress Sisi.
Have you read the John Biggins novels? I recently read A Sailor of Austria, which was excellent.
https://substack.com/@contarini1/note/c-73510093?utm_source=activity_item
You should definitely do something like this too. How fun. I would love to read it. Thank you for putting John Biggins on my radar!!
I have an idea for an alternate history where the Austrians win in 1866. The story would set in 1916 on the 50th anniversary, with an epilogue in 1941 on the 75th anniversary. You must read Richard Bassett's For God and Kaiser: The Imperial Austrian Army, 1619-1918 (2016). He recounts -- I almost fell off my chair when I read this -- that at Koniggratz, a mounted group of the Prussian King and his staff, including von Moltke and Bismarck, briefly came under Austrian artillery fire. IMAGINE if a few well placed shells had killed the King, Bismarck and Moltke! If only! An Austrian victory, or at worst and inconclusive outcome would have ensued. An utterly different and better world have happened.
First of all, that's an excellent idea. Good luck and have fun with it. And second of all, my husband owns that book and he is on his way to his bookshelf to grab it for me. I often think about how if things had gone differently a different and better world would have ensued and the horrors of the 20th century could have been avoided.
It's so lovely to see you back here. Wishing you all the best for the rest of your treatment. I'm off to the National Gallery very soon so will look out for the Manet painting!
Oh, how fun for you. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! I wonder if the painting is as large as it looks. You’ll have to let me know. (Poor Maximilian.)
Sorry you are in the midst of gruelling treatment, Despina.
I was fascinated to learn more about the Habsburgs on a trip to Austria a few years ago. They popped up everywhere in Vienna and Innsbruck museums. All that big chin in-breeding.
I enjoyed the film Corsage, with its modernist take on Sissi. I also remember Sylvie Guillem dancing the part of Sissi. Stunning.
Thank you for reminding me that I still need to watch Corsage. And thank you for introducing me to Sylvie Guillem. I have some rabbit holes to fall into. I loved visiting the museums in Vienna and Innsbruck too. Innsbruck was so charming. The chin in-breeding, those poor things. Have you seen the Netflix series Empress? Lots of inaccuracies but it is very entertaining. Season 2 should be coming soon.
I haven’t seen Empress yet, Despina – I’ll add that to my watch list! Thanks for the tip. Sylvie Guillem (now retired) is extraordinary, and you can find clips of dancing that role of Sissi on YouTube. (Maybe you already have.)
This is a timely post because I’ve just been thinking I’d like to know more about Sisi. Thank you for sharing these recs! I’ll be looking into them!
Oh thank you for this kind comment. I hope you found something you like.
Just found your blog and it’s so, so good. You write with so much verve and intrigue and it’s lovely to have recommendations for further reading alongside sound historical summary. You’re amazing; thank you so much! ❤️
Hi Alice, I'm so touched by this kind note. Thank you for being here and reading!