Franz Joseph I

Franz Joseph defined his era and exemplified the old Austria. Installed on the throne as a young prince in 1848, he governed the Imperial State with a firm hand, for 68 years. Despite everything that fate threw at him, he was at the helm as the monarchy experienced its final flourish and ultimate decline. He saw the purpose of his office as to protect his people from their politicians. When he departed this life in 1916, the multi-ethnic state lost its most important linchpin. This book recounts the glittering heights and bitterest tragedies of his life with historical astuteness and a certain literary licence. A biography whose beauty is in its brevity.