Imperial Twilight : The Story of Karl and Zita of Hungary

by Bertita Harding

The start of World War I is seen as the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria but who came after him in the line of succession. This is fascinating historical love story of the couple thrust into the limelight of the most turbulent years in European history. Karl and Zita would become the rulers of the Austro-Hungarian empire but it was a royal family doomed to fail. An in-depth and gripping story that is often overlooked in the vast archive of work on the First World War.

Genres: History, Hungary, Biography

345 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1939

Reviews

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

If by chance you are a historian or a reader of novels this is both. Harding (a relative of the Hapsburg) writes a very accurate history in the form of a novel about her family the Emperor Karl Hapsburg and his beautiful wife Zita.

Harding is an amazing writer and historian. This book is a page turner.

[Melissa Massey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't finished this book yet. It still has that wonderful in depth style that is so characteristic of Ms. Harding, but it gets a little more entrenched in politics of WWI (especially with all the little territories that no long exist. That made it very hard to follow). I feel like she doesn't get as much into the lives of Karl and Zita. But what we do see is a very loving relationship and marriage, and that is what I love about this royal couple. They were very devoted to each other. Poor Karl...he just wanted to do the right thing and end the war. The book also gets into the other side of the War--instead of the west as the big heroes, they are shown as the big bullies they are, and also lays the groundwork for WWII. If you're in to European history, then this is for you. I haven't finished it yet, but I'm hoping to get back to it eventually.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating, albeit dated, account of the politics and personalities at the time of the break-up of the Dual Monarchy.

[Avril · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating read. Book was published on 1939. You can feel the coming of the war and what would happen to the old empire.
A small period of history hardly talked about in general history 1916-1930. Karl was too late to help the destruction of the Austria-Hungarian empire.
Highly recommend as it give a different feel of World War 1 history from the author perspective.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this lovely book, in a little gem of a used bookstore, which sadly is no more. Imperial Twilight is both history and yet reads like fiction. It was compelling history and felt very personal in the storytelling. It compelled me to want to know more about the very real people, The Habsburgs. The period of history is mainly World War I and concludes with World War II.

[Franz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another dynasty sacrificed to America's drive to 'make the world safe for democracy'. A truely noble couple, that did more than almost antone to bring WWI to an early end, yet live the remainder of thier lives in poverty and obscurity.

[Maria Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT! A MUST READ!