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Vienna 1814: How the Conquerors of Napoleon Made War, Peace, and Love at the Congress of Vienna
Vienna, 1814 is an evocative and brilliantly researched account of the most audacious and extravagant peace conference in modern European history. With the feared Napoleon Bonaparte presumably defeated and exiled to the small island of Elba, heads of some 216 states gathered in Vienna to begin piecing together the ruins of his toppled empire. Major questions loomed: What would be done with France? How were the newly liberated territories to be divided? What type of restitution would be offered to families of the deceased? But this unprecedented gathering of kings, dignitaries, and diplomatic leaders unfurled a seemingly endless stream of personal vendettas, long-simmering feuds, and romantic entanglements that threatened to undermine the crucial work at hand, even as their hard-fought policy decisions shaped the destiny of Europe and led to the longest sustained peace the continent would ever see.
Beyond the diplomatic wrangling, however, the Congress of Vienna served as a backdrop for the most spectacular Vanity Fair of its time. Highlighted by such celebrated figures as the elegant but incredibly vain Prince Metternich of Austria, the unflappable and devious Prince Talleyrand of France, and the volatile Tsar Alexander of Russia, as well as appearances by Ludwig van Beethoven and Emilia Bigottini, the sheer star power of the Vienna congress outshone nearly everything else in the public eye.
An early incarnation of the cult of celebrity, the congress devolved into a series of debauched parties that continually delayed the progress of peace, until word arrived that Napoleon had escaped, abruptly halting the revelry and shrouding the continent in panic once again.
Vienna, 1814 beautifully illuminates the intricate social and political intrigue of this history-defining congress–a glorified party that seemingly valued frivolity over substance but nonetheless managed to drastically reconfigure Europe’s balance of power and usher in the modern age.
Beyond the diplomatic wrangling, however, the Congress of Vienna served as a backdrop for the most spectacular Vanity Fair of its time. Highlighted by such celebrated figures as the elegant but incredibly vain Prince Metternich of Austria, the unflappable and devious Prince Talleyrand of France, and the volatile Tsar Alexander of Russia, as well as appearances by Ludwig van Beethoven and Emilia Bigottini, the sheer star power of the Vienna congress outshone nearly everything else in the public eye.
An early incarnation of the cult of celebrity, the congress devolved into a series of debauched parties that continually delayed the progress of peace, until word arrived that Napoleon had escaped, abruptly halting the revelry and shrouding the continent in panic once again.
Vienna, 1814 beautifully illuminates the intricate social and political intrigue of this history-defining congress–a glorified party that seemingly valued frivolity over substance but nonetheless managed to drastically reconfigure Europe’s balance of power and usher in the modern age.
434 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
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January 23, 2009
Okay, so you know how you're in that airport bookstore because you've tragically finished off your book before its even time to take off? (Because naturally nobody on goodreads would be caught there because they forgot to bring a book.) So you're standing, torn, between that shelf of NYT bestsellers, cheap thrillers, a few Serious Looking Histories... and those shiny, shiny pretty ridiculously indulgent magazine racks and trying to pretend like you don't care /at all/ if Brangelina had the world's most beautiful baby? (Or, for men, I don't know... sports porn magazines full of ridiculous statistics that you do not EVER need to know but like saying when you've had too many beers?)
Okay, so this book solves all your problems. This should be placed strategically in the center of all these locations, and advertised better with a few more ripped bosoms on the cover, it would sell like hotcakes. I promise you.
This book has something for us all. Yes, you probably need to care a bit about history and have some very basic knowledge about the Napoloeonic Wars (but really the bare facts of there was this little French dude Napoleon who tried to conquer Europe and pissed off everyone in the meantime and then got his own Mediterraean island afterwards while everyone tried to fix the continent in Vienna afterwards will suffice. Oh, also, the Bourbons are sissies). But other than that? You can really just dive right into this one. The first third of the book spends some time setting up the various important personages who took part in the congress, giving detailed character studies of their histories and personalities. It also deals with the various roads (both literal and figurative) that the nations took to the Congress, and the various positions that everyone came into it with, as well as what they wanted. He could have written the whole book just about that, these people are so incredibly colorful and rich. Metternich, Talleyrand, Tsar Alexander, Castlereagh, Wellington, and various little kings, princes, ministers and lords are all there, and all have their famous witty lines, shining moments, crazy rages, and emotional breakdowns to detail. This was the Romantic period, and these people embodied it to a T.
Then he really gets into the good stuff. The 19th century was the century of diarists and letter writers, and the Congress was an epicenter of all of that. So there are sooo many good first hand accounts of "he said this at a party," and so many juicy quotes. Almost all the principals wrote memoirs or diaries of the time, so the first hand research is really really good. He really gets into the various rounds of political intrigue, combined with the parties in between the conference meetings, how people tried to stab each other in the back at balls, delivered devastating one liners at the opera that wrecked someone's career, how jockeying for seating at a concert was an olympic sport, and the /fortunes/ that people spent on doing all of it.
Even better, the various love affairs going out throughout the Congress. He tends to stick to the ones at the very upper eschelon, but also takes particular glee in talking about the tsar's affairs with flower girls, princes' fruit selling mistresses, and this or that minister's pretty boy tucked out of the way. For some juicy examples: Prince Metternich's devastating affair with the Duchess of Sagan is chronicled in painstaking detail, showing this powerful, stern, intelligent man reduced to howling at the wind for this woman who didn't love him (they quote from his love letters to her frequently), and how the congress almost broke down from his lack of attention to the proceedings due to how distracted he was with his doomed pursuit of her. It also details the Duchess' rivalry with the Princess Bagration, a Russian noblewoman who used to be Metternich's lover, and is jealous of Sagan and wants to take her down, and so teams up with the Tsar (who hates Metternich), to plot against her. Some scheming person with a sick sense of humor put their apartments across a courtyard from each other in the same building, which makes it all the more intense as they host rival salons to each other. Talleyrand's young niece Dorothee (Sagan's younger sister) is only twenty when she comes to be the embassy's hostess, fleeing from a bad marriage and the death of a child, and comes out her powerful uncle's lover, having slept around with various military heroes and noblemen along the way. ... and on and on and on, weaving in these affairs into the intrigue and showing how these various loves, jealousies, jokes (Metternich's joke on the secretary of the Congress, Gentz, on April Fool's Day is absolutely fantastic) affairs gone sour and bitter rivalries shaped the outcome and course of the congress.
The only complaint I have is that it wrapped up too soon, moving on to talk about Napoleon's Hundred Days after the escape from Elba, the campaign at Waterloo, Wellington's leadership, the state of affairs in France, etc. I wish that he had spent even more time detailing the various ins and outs of the Congress rather than moving away towards Napoleon. But that only happens right at the end, and obviously you can't not acknowledge it. (the earlier dealings with Napoleon in the book reveal a lot about his life on Elba and say a lot about why he left, so /that/ part is really intersting.) But I just felt like I knew a lot of the historical fact already, and you can find detailed military strategy in history books. I wanted more of the juicy character study and petty intrigue, is all, since that was clearly the book's strength.
Anwyay, obviously highly recommended. You'll breeze right on through it I promise. Incredibly fast read. It's more like a novel than a historical book, really. He should have made it into one. If I were more ambitious, I would. I should. But yeah, it also makes for a great one to read out loud. Seriously, we were giggling insanely at some of the love letters written by the most powerful men of the era describing their devotion to their mistresses. You MUST do dramatic readings at that point. You're really missing out if you don't.
Ed. Note: This is taking a little longer to get through than I thought it would, but only because the boyfriend and I have decided to read it aloud to each other, not because it isn't good. On the contrary, this is a rollicking, wonderfully good time, written like a colorful epic novel. We're just savoring it as much as possible with a deliciously slow reading.
Original: OH. HELL. YES. My favorite historical period, combined with lots of gossip and intrigue. Hoping to really get into this on my vacation next week.
Okay, so this book solves all your problems. This should be placed strategically in the center of all these locations, and advertised better with a few more ripped bosoms on the cover, it would sell like hotcakes. I promise you.
This book has something for us all. Yes, you probably need to care a bit about history and have some very basic knowledge about the Napoloeonic Wars (but really the bare facts of there was this little French dude Napoleon who tried to conquer Europe and pissed off everyone in the meantime and then got his own Mediterraean island afterwards while everyone tried to fix the continent in Vienna afterwards will suffice. Oh, also, the Bourbons are sissies). But other than that? You can really just dive right into this one. The first third of the book spends some time setting up the various important personages who took part in the congress, giving detailed character studies of their histories and personalities. It also deals with the various roads (both literal and figurative) that the nations took to the Congress, and the various positions that everyone came into it with, as well as what they wanted. He could have written the whole book just about that, these people are so incredibly colorful and rich. Metternich, Talleyrand, Tsar Alexander, Castlereagh, Wellington, and various little kings, princes, ministers and lords are all there, and all have their famous witty lines, shining moments, crazy rages, and emotional breakdowns to detail. This was the Romantic period, and these people embodied it to a T.
Then he really gets into the good stuff. The 19th century was the century of diarists and letter writers, and the Congress was an epicenter of all of that. So there are sooo many good first hand accounts of "he said this at a party," and so many juicy quotes. Almost all the principals wrote memoirs or diaries of the time, so the first hand research is really really good. He really gets into the various rounds of political intrigue, combined with the parties in between the conference meetings, how people tried to stab each other in the back at balls, delivered devastating one liners at the opera that wrecked someone's career, how jockeying for seating at a concert was an olympic sport, and the /fortunes/ that people spent on doing all of it.
Even better, the various love affairs going out throughout the Congress. He tends to stick to the ones at the very upper eschelon, but also takes particular glee in talking about the tsar's affairs with flower girls, princes' fruit selling mistresses, and this or that minister's pretty boy tucked out of the way. For some juicy examples: Prince Metternich's devastating affair with the Duchess of Sagan is chronicled in painstaking detail, showing this powerful, stern, intelligent man reduced to howling at the wind for this woman who didn't love him (they quote from his love letters to her frequently), and how the congress almost broke down from his lack of attention to the proceedings due to how distracted he was with his doomed pursuit of her. It also details the Duchess' rivalry with the Princess Bagration, a Russian noblewoman who used to be Metternich's lover, and is jealous of Sagan and wants to take her down, and so teams up with the Tsar (who hates Metternich), to plot against her. Some scheming person with a sick sense of humor put their apartments across a courtyard from each other in the same building, which makes it all the more intense as they host rival salons to each other. Talleyrand's young niece Dorothee (Sagan's younger sister) is only twenty when she comes to be the embassy's hostess, fleeing from a bad marriage and the death of a child, and comes out her powerful uncle's lover, having slept around with various military heroes and noblemen along the way. ... and on and on and on, weaving in these affairs into the intrigue and showing how these various loves, jealousies, jokes (Metternich's joke on the secretary of the Congress, Gentz, on April Fool's Day is absolutely fantastic) affairs gone sour and bitter rivalries shaped the outcome and course of the congress.
The only complaint I have is that it wrapped up too soon, moving on to talk about Napoleon's Hundred Days after the escape from Elba, the campaign at Waterloo, Wellington's leadership, the state of affairs in France, etc. I wish that he had spent even more time detailing the various ins and outs of the Congress rather than moving away towards Napoleon. But that only happens right at the end, and obviously you can't not acknowledge it. (the earlier dealings with Napoleon in the book reveal a lot about his life on Elba and say a lot about why he left, so /that/ part is really intersting.) But I just felt like I knew a lot of the historical fact already, and you can find detailed military strategy in history books. I wanted more of the juicy character study and petty intrigue, is all, since that was clearly the book's strength.
Anwyay, obviously highly recommended. You'll breeze right on through it I promise. Incredibly fast read. It's more like a novel than a historical book, really. He should have made it into one. If I were more ambitious, I would. I should. But yeah, it also makes for a great one to read out loud. Seriously, we were giggling insanely at some of the love letters written by the most powerful men of the era describing their devotion to their mistresses. You MUST do dramatic readings at that point. You're really missing out if you don't.
Ed. Note: This is taking a little longer to get through than I thought it would, but only because the boyfriend and I have decided to read it aloud to each other, not because it isn't good. On the contrary, this is a rollicking, wonderfully good time, written like a colorful epic novel. We're just savoring it as much as possible with a deliciously slow reading.
Original: OH. HELL. YES. My favorite historical period, combined with lots of gossip and intrigue. Hoping to really get into this on my vacation next week.
December 11, 2011
"Kings, queens, princes, and diplomats would all pour into the city of Vienna in the autumn of 1814 for the highly anticipated peace conference. More than 200 states and princely houses would send delegates to settle the many unresolved issues. How were the victors to reconstruct the war-torn continent? How were they going to make restitution to the millions who had lost family members or suffered the horrors of Napoleonic domination? The Vienna Congress offered a chance to correct the wrongs of the past and, many hoped, create the 'best of all possible worlds.'
Reasoned opinion predicted that all negotiations would be wrapped up in three or four weeks. Even the most seasoned diplomats expected no more than six. But the delegates, thrilled by the prospects of a lasting peace, indulged in unrestrained celebrations. The Vienna peace conference soon degenerated into a glittering vanity fair: masked balls, medieval-style jousts, and grand formal banquets - a 'sparkling chaos' that would light up the banks of the Danube."
First off, many thanks to Kelly for writing a great review of this book back in 2009 - she raved about this book, and I've always had it in the back of my mind when browsing the history section in bookstores. A few months ago, I finally found a copy and bought it. Never mind that I know nothing about the Napoleonic Wars aside from the fact that Napoleon got banished, escaped and invaded France again, and then got banished for real a second time; never mind that the only thing I knew about the Congress of Vienna was that I confused it with the Treaty of Versailles on an AP Western Civ test in high school. I was promised gossip, intrigue, politics, romance, gossip, parties, and a heaping dose of more gossip - so I was on board.
And guys, Vienna 1814 delivers. I would say without reservations that this is probably the most readable history book I've ever come across. King's writing is clear and flows easily, and I had no trouble keeping the large cast of characters straight, despite never having heard of most of them. He does a wonderful job portraying all the different aspects of the Vienna Congress - on the one hand, you had all the delegates working around the clock to restore Europe to its pre-Napoleon state (which involved, among other things, deciding which of Napoleon's relatives would be allowed to keep the titles he had bestowed on them and which should be returned to the rightful heirs) and trying to keep everyone happy (which was impossible, of course) while at the same time there was a crazy party every single night, as well as salons where all the political powers were gathered. Often, a diplomat could accomplish more by attending a ball for an hour than he could by working in his office all day. And meanwhile, as all of this is happening, Napoleon is sitting on Elba, tenting his fingers and plotting his return to France. It isn't until he actually succeeds, landing in France and recruiting an army almost instantly, that all the Vienna Congress delegates look around and say, "Well, damn. Guess we'd better start figuring this out for real" and actually accomplish what they set out to do six months ago.
All the characters (and they really feel like characters, not historical figures) are great, the descriptions are beautiful, and you shouldn't shy away from this book if you know almost nothing about Napoleon. Basically, if those first two paragraphs I quoted from the book intrigue you at all, the rest of the book will not disappoint.
Reasoned opinion predicted that all negotiations would be wrapped up in three or four weeks. Even the most seasoned diplomats expected no more than six. But the delegates, thrilled by the prospects of a lasting peace, indulged in unrestrained celebrations. The Vienna peace conference soon degenerated into a glittering vanity fair: masked balls, medieval-style jousts, and grand formal banquets - a 'sparkling chaos' that would light up the banks of the Danube."
First off, many thanks to Kelly for writing a great review of this book back in 2009 - she raved about this book, and I've always had it in the back of my mind when browsing the history section in bookstores. A few months ago, I finally found a copy and bought it. Never mind that I know nothing about the Napoleonic Wars aside from the fact that Napoleon got banished, escaped and invaded France again, and then got banished for real a second time; never mind that the only thing I knew about the Congress of Vienna was that I confused it with the Treaty of Versailles on an AP Western Civ test in high school. I was promised gossip, intrigue, politics, romance, gossip, parties, and a heaping dose of more gossip - so I was on board.
And guys, Vienna 1814 delivers. I would say without reservations that this is probably the most readable history book I've ever come across. King's writing is clear and flows easily, and I had no trouble keeping the large cast of characters straight, despite never having heard of most of them. He does a wonderful job portraying all the different aspects of the Vienna Congress - on the one hand, you had all the delegates working around the clock to restore Europe to its pre-Napoleon state (which involved, among other things, deciding which of Napoleon's relatives would be allowed to keep the titles he had bestowed on them and which should be returned to the rightful heirs) and trying to keep everyone happy (which was impossible, of course) while at the same time there was a crazy party every single night, as well as salons where all the political powers were gathered. Often, a diplomat could accomplish more by attending a ball for an hour than he could by working in his office all day. And meanwhile, as all of this is happening, Napoleon is sitting on Elba, tenting his fingers and plotting his return to France. It isn't until he actually succeeds, landing in France and recruiting an army almost instantly, that all the Vienna Congress delegates look around and say, "Well, damn. Guess we'd better start figuring this out for real" and actually accomplish what they set out to do six months ago.
All the characters (and they really feel like characters, not historical figures) are great, the descriptions are beautiful, and you shouldn't shy away from this book if you know almost nothing about Napoleon. Basically, if those first two paragraphs I quoted from the book intrigue you at all, the rest of the book will not disappoint.
January 3, 2016
The genre of "popular history" is somewhat hard to pin down, over the years I've seen it defined in a number of different ways. The most common definition you'll find is any work of history written for a non-academic audience, but this has always seemed somewhat limiting to me. After all, can't a work accessible to the general populace also advance scholarship? This dichotomy between popular and academic history results in having the former type be almost overwhelmingly broad while the latter type is restricted to only nearly unreadable articles in academic journals.
Bit of a tangent I know, but having said that, know that Vienna 1814 isn't just pop history, it's bubblegum history. (You might want to put a "not that there's anything wrong with that after all sweeping subjective opinions I make in this review.) A word of explanation: I ordered this used off Amazon, and only realized afterwords that I had gotten it confused with, Adam Zamoyski's Rites of Peace, published one year before this one, a book that I had flipped through at a book store shortly after it came out. Normally not a big deal, right? It's not like I have read any Zamoyski before, or had heard anything remarkable about that book. I just had wanted to read a history of the Congress of Vienna for a few years, and that one happened to pick my eye.
My first hint of warning was that there were no maps. This alone left me pretty disappointed because, ever since My Father's Dragon I rather enjoy having a nice map to consult when I'm reading a book, especially when what's being discussed is some semi-obscure principality that I'm not 100% sure I can pronounce. After all, if any topic cries for at least a few handy reference maps, it's the multi-power conference that had to determine the fate of a continent full of semi-obscure republics formerly known as semi-obscure principalities.
However, it turns I didn't need to be worried about the lack of reference materials, because David King isn't so much concerned with our friends the semi-obscure principalities. Instead he's interested in who was getting fucked. And not fucked in the Poles in the 17th century or Kurds in the 20th century sense (ahh Peace Conference humor), but fucked in the Real Housewives of the Hapsburg Empire sort of sense. The Congress of Vienna serves as a mere backdrop for King to describe lavish parties, profile fabulous nobles, and pass on tawdry gossip. It's not social history, it's tabloid history. (Again, not that there's anything wrong with that.) But that was absolutely not what I was looking for.
I should say that King doesn't neglect the actual Congress itself at all. He even manages to artfully weave in an account of Napoleon at Elbe and his breathtaking escape and final hundred days in France. But it's all fairly bare bones. There's no real context to the events at all. When King gives the reader a closer look at important figures, there's a real sense that he's only relating what the general reader will find colorful or intriguing, not trying to build even a decent understanding of the individual.
I finished this thing several months ago, so I'm going to refrain from going into much greater detail. To be fair, King obviously didn't set out to write the definitive history on the subject. He probably set out to write a entertaining history that happened to enlighten. I was just looking for something that attempted to do the same thing, I just prefer the other way around. However, if your interested in an incredibly readable, sometimes engaging, often titillating, and always professionally told account of atmosphere surrounding the Congress of Vienna, I can easily point you toward this book. Unfortunately, if you want any depth of understanding, I recommend you start elsewhere.
Bit of a tangent I know, but having said that, know that Vienna 1814 isn't just pop history, it's bubblegum history. (You might want to put a "not that there's anything wrong with that after all sweeping subjective opinions I make in this review.) A word of explanation: I ordered this used off Amazon, and only realized afterwords that I had gotten it confused with, Adam Zamoyski's Rites of Peace, published one year before this one, a book that I had flipped through at a book store shortly after it came out. Normally not a big deal, right? It's not like I have read any Zamoyski before, or had heard anything remarkable about that book. I just had wanted to read a history of the Congress of Vienna for a few years, and that one happened to pick my eye.
My first hint of warning was that there were no maps. This alone left me pretty disappointed because, ever since My Father's Dragon I rather enjoy having a nice map to consult when I'm reading a book, especially when what's being discussed is some semi-obscure principality that I'm not 100% sure I can pronounce. After all, if any topic cries for at least a few handy reference maps, it's the multi-power conference that had to determine the fate of a continent full of semi-obscure republics formerly known as semi-obscure principalities.
However, it turns I didn't need to be worried about the lack of reference materials, because David King isn't so much concerned with our friends the semi-obscure principalities. Instead he's interested in who was getting fucked. And not fucked in the Poles in the 17th century or Kurds in the 20th century sense (ahh Peace Conference humor), but fucked in the Real Housewives of the Hapsburg Empire sort of sense. The Congress of Vienna serves as a mere backdrop for King to describe lavish parties, profile fabulous nobles, and pass on tawdry gossip. It's not social history, it's tabloid history. (Again, not that there's anything wrong with that.) But that was absolutely not what I was looking for.
I should say that King doesn't neglect the actual Congress itself at all. He even manages to artfully weave in an account of Napoleon at Elbe and his breathtaking escape and final hundred days in France. But it's all fairly bare bones. There's no real context to the events at all. When King gives the reader a closer look at important figures, there's a real sense that he's only relating what the general reader will find colorful or intriguing, not trying to build even a decent understanding of the individual.
I finished this thing several months ago, so I'm going to refrain from going into much greater detail. To be fair, King obviously didn't set out to write the definitive history on the subject. He probably set out to write a entertaining history that happened to enlighten. I was just looking for something that attempted to do the same thing, I just prefer the other way around. However, if your interested in an incredibly readable, sometimes engaging, often titillating, and always professionally told account of atmosphere surrounding the Congress of Vienna, I can easily point you toward this book. Unfortunately, if you want any depth of understanding, I recommend you start elsewhere.
March 3, 2020
This was gossipy and quite enjoyable.
I rated this 1 star because the author kept talking about 'slavery' in reference to white europeans being sold by Muslims (?) into North Africa. I borrowed this as an audiobook from Scribd so perhaps I misunderstood some of the particulars here.
Yet, these European nations are all profiting from many forms of slavery between the captivity of West Africans to the captivity of various ethnic groups across what is now 'India'. How fucking hypocritical and ridiculous to act like slavery was only wrong when white europeans were harmed.
I'm not surprised those at this conference felt that way but I'm disgusted that the author of a nonfiction historical text like this wouldn't explore this issue. In some way other than calling the concern over white europeans just a general 'call to free slaves'. They meant specific enslaved peoples here and I expect a modern author to handle this with considerably more accuracy.
Otherwise, fun look at the players of this outrageous conference.
I rated this 1 star because the author kept talking about 'slavery' in reference to white europeans being sold by Muslims (?) into North Africa. I borrowed this as an audiobook from Scribd so perhaps I misunderstood some of the particulars here.
Yet, these European nations are all profiting from many forms of slavery between the captivity of West Africans to the captivity of various ethnic groups across what is now 'India'. How fucking hypocritical and ridiculous to act like slavery was only wrong when white europeans were harmed.
I'm not surprised those at this conference felt that way but I'm disgusted that the author of a nonfiction historical text like this wouldn't explore this issue. In some way other than calling the concern over white europeans just a general 'call to free slaves'. They meant specific enslaved peoples here and I expect a modern author to handle this with considerably more accuracy.
Otherwise, fun look at the players of this outrageous conference.
May 8, 2010
If you're at all interested in modern European history, and looking for a bit of a racy tale too, then this book is for you. David King is to be commended for crafting such an elegant and engaging work that really does read like a novel. Vienna 1814 details the doings of the Congress of Vienna, held in Vienna, Austria, in late-1814 and early-1815, its expressed purpose to restore Europe following the abdication of Napoleon to Elba and the end of nearly 20 years of war across Europe. Kings and Queens, Princes and Princesses, and diplomats from all across Europe gathered together to try and bring order from the chaos and advance a long period of peace. The problem was that every nation came with its own hidden agenda and only looked to further its own national interests.
This very well-written book focuses on the efforts and activities of Austria's Prince Metternich, Russia's Tsar Alexander, England's Lord Castlereagh and Duke of Wellington, Prussia's Chancellor Hardenberg, France's Talleyrand, and a whole host of papal legates, minor plenipotentiaries and ministers. These men also brought their wives and mistresses to Vienna. There are also numerous cameo appearances of many of Europe's wealthy, artistic, and intellectual elite; like Beethoven, Antonio Salieri, Jacob Grimm (of the Brothers Grimm fame), and so forth. Throw into the mix that the conference also attracted every scoundrel, rogue, courtesan, and spy and you have the perfect recipe for political intrigue, espionage, and sexual seduction on a scale never before seen.
While the diplomats struggled and schemed in their negotiating sessions during the day, in the evening they attended great parties and balls hosted by the various embassies, or salons, scattered across the Viennese landscape; with each country trying to outdo the other in cuisine and grandiose entertainment. Flirtations, secret liaisons and seductions, and even flagrant affairs were common among the participants. Mr. King includes a tremendous amount of background material on each of these fascinating men and women that makes it very easy for the reader to see that they were just like the "A-List" celebrities of our time. It is also easy to see where authors like William Makepeace Thackeray, Georgette Heyer, and so many others, got their inspiration. Personally, I think that this book would provide terrific fodder for a script for a very entertaining (and slightly smutty) period drama miniseries on one of the cable channels -- an early 19th century "Peyton Place."
Even with the diversions of all of the fancy balls and entertainment held during the several months of the Congress of Vienna, the European nations did reach some important multi-national agreements and milestones. They restored or recognized, in large part, many of the small kingdoms and countries that existed prior to Napoleon's conquests. They also redrew borders, and added or took away land and resources from one nation and gave it to another. In a fashion they endeavored to ensure that the rule of "public law" (international law) would be implemented and applied across the continent. An enlightened and consensus position was also adopted that condemned and prohibited the institution of slavery among the signatory states.
Russia and Prussia were probably the big winners, with much of Poland falling into the hands of the Tsar, and much of the Rhineland being taken from France and added to Prussia. Creation of this large 'German' confederation was thought by the diplomats to be a moderating influence on future European affairs; a decision that would haunt the continent in less than 100 years in the future with the horrors of World Wars I and II.
David King's book climaxes with the escape of Napoleon from his exile on the island of Elba, his return to Paris, and his marshaling of hundreds of thousands of Frenchman to his flag. In response, the book describes the rapid mobilization and militarization of the Allies in their fierce determination to defeat Napoleon and the French Army for the last time. The Duke of Wellington rides to Brussels, assumes command of the Allied Army, and meets Napoleon on the battlefield of Waterloo. Napoleon is defeated and this time he is exiled to the island of St. Helena, an isolated chuck of rock in the middle of the desolate South Atlantic Ocean.
This book is important for anyone looking to better understand the Europe of the 20th and 21st centuries; but unlike many histories, this book is anything but dusty, musty, or dry as it has the added benefit of being incredibly engaging and loads of fun to read too. My only gripe? I wish it were longer -- I wanted more! I highly recommend David King's Vienna 1814: How the Conquerors of Napoleon Made Love, War, and Peace at the Congress of Vienna.
This very well-written book focuses on the efforts and activities of Austria's Prince Metternich, Russia's Tsar Alexander, England's Lord Castlereagh and Duke of Wellington, Prussia's Chancellor Hardenberg, France's Talleyrand, and a whole host of papal legates, minor plenipotentiaries and ministers. These men also brought their wives and mistresses to Vienna. There are also numerous cameo appearances of many of Europe's wealthy, artistic, and intellectual elite; like Beethoven, Antonio Salieri, Jacob Grimm (of the Brothers Grimm fame), and so forth. Throw into the mix that the conference also attracted every scoundrel, rogue, courtesan, and spy and you have the perfect recipe for political intrigue, espionage, and sexual seduction on a scale never before seen.
While the diplomats struggled and schemed in their negotiating sessions during the day, in the evening they attended great parties and balls hosted by the various embassies, or salons, scattered across the Viennese landscape; with each country trying to outdo the other in cuisine and grandiose entertainment. Flirtations, secret liaisons and seductions, and even flagrant affairs were common among the participants. Mr. King includes a tremendous amount of background material on each of these fascinating men and women that makes it very easy for the reader to see that they were just like the "A-List" celebrities of our time. It is also easy to see where authors like William Makepeace Thackeray, Georgette Heyer, and so many others, got their inspiration. Personally, I think that this book would provide terrific fodder for a script for a very entertaining (and slightly smutty) period drama miniseries on one of the cable channels -- an early 19th century "Peyton Place."
Even with the diversions of all of the fancy balls and entertainment held during the several months of the Congress of Vienna, the European nations did reach some important multi-national agreements and milestones. They restored or recognized, in large part, many of the small kingdoms and countries that existed prior to Napoleon's conquests. They also redrew borders, and added or took away land and resources from one nation and gave it to another. In a fashion they endeavored to ensure that the rule of "public law" (international law) would be implemented and applied across the continent. An enlightened and consensus position was also adopted that condemned and prohibited the institution of slavery among the signatory states.
Russia and Prussia were probably the big winners, with much of Poland falling into the hands of the Tsar, and much of the Rhineland being taken from France and added to Prussia. Creation of this large 'German' confederation was thought by the diplomats to be a moderating influence on future European affairs; a decision that would haunt the continent in less than 100 years in the future with the horrors of World Wars I and II.
David King's book climaxes with the escape of Napoleon from his exile on the island of Elba, his return to Paris, and his marshaling of hundreds of thousands of Frenchman to his flag. In response, the book describes the rapid mobilization and militarization of the Allies in their fierce determination to defeat Napoleon and the French Army for the last time. The Duke of Wellington rides to Brussels, assumes command of the Allied Army, and meets Napoleon on the battlefield of Waterloo. Napoleon is defeated and this time he is exiled to the island of St. Helena, an isolated chuck of rock in the middle of the desolate South Atlantic Ocean.
This book is important for anyone looking to better understand the Europe of the 20th and 21st centuries; but unlike many histories, this book is anything but dusty, musty, or dry as it has the added benefit of being incredibly engaging and loads of fun to read too. My only gripe? I wish it were longer -- I wanted more! I highly recommend David King's Vienna 1814: How the Conquerors of Napoleon Made Love, War, and Peace at the Congress of Vienna.
September 19, 2017
Absolutely fantastic. A play-by-play of the most fascinating peace conference in all of History, with its months of intense negotiations by some of the most brilliant diplomats ever, a never-ending social callendar, and a glittering parade of Europe's nobility (and all the amazing gossip that entails). Great for the detailed explanation of the tricky politics AND the scandalous affairs, this book is indispensable for those who really want to understand the Congress of Vienna and its protagonists.
July 12, 2021
I have recently become more and more fascinated with history. One particular event that kept catching my attention (as I struggled to understand the confusing welter of 19th-century Germanic states) was the Congress of Vienna. I wanted to know more about it. I went looking for books on the subject and found this one.
As far as I'm concerned, David King really delivers the goods. He tells the tale in an engaging fashion that is accessible to someone like myself, with only a general and sometimes vague understanding of European history. It reads almost like a novel. Exactly what I was looking for.
At first I was a little put off by the lack of footnotes. I wasn't particularly looking for serious academic scholarship, but surely quotes need attribution! Eventually I realized that all the sources are given in the end matter, so it should be fairly easy to chase down anything if need be.
As far as I'm concerned, David King really delivers the goods. He tells the tale in an engaging fashion that is accessible to someone like myself, with only a general and sometimes vague understanding of European history. It reads almost like a novel. Exactly what I was looking for.
At first I was a little put off by the lack of footnotes. I wasn't particularly looking for serious academic scholarship, but surely quotes need attribution! Eventually I realized that all the sources are given in the end matter, so it should be fairly easy to chase down anything if need be.
Read
September 27, 2010Anyone interested in the Napoleonic era might enjoy this look at the personalities gathered at the Congress of Vienna over the latter part of 1814 through early 1815, when the protracted (and killingly expensive) gaieties were summarily interrupted by Napoleon's escape from Elba.
It was amusing to recognize bits from this or that memoir or set of letters, however unlike those, King navigates between the Scylla of unreliable narrators (and the memoirists are all more or less unreliable in that they all wrote with an intention, often to paper over their own shortcomings and affairs de coeur with penetrating hindsight and noble patriotism, or to slander an enemy)and the Charybdis of nineteenth and early twentieth century whitewashing.
So we know who was sleeping with whom (including proof of one of Metternich's more important indiscretions, the letters illustrating which having lain secretly in a Swedish palace wall until 1989), who was friends or rivals with whom, peppered with the popular Prince de Ligne's wit. The man was not the least important in state affairs, but he knew everyone pretty much the entire century, and he had his refined finger on the pulse of society all his long life. And people knew it. It's just this sort of person who is usually excised from histories in favor or earnest politicians or determined military men, which robs a history of a sense of the time.
Most important, I think, King successfully demonstrates how (though we use the term "Napoleonic" for the era) Talleyrand was at least as influential, as powerful, and far, far more longsighted. Talleyrand never led armies to smite thousands of lives, but he was expert in shaping the fallout into a semblance of order, and then rejuggling as those statesmen and military leaders rushed about grabbing what they could.
Revolving like satellites are personalities like Alexander of Russia, and those who influenced him, including his mysterious sage. That's another thing I like: King does not leave out the women. Though they were kept from prominence in the legal sense, they had tremendous influence socially and intimately, which King demonstrates.
Finally, he illustrates what it was like for so many kings to live for this protracted time in close proximity--something that had never before occurred. He also illustrates what it was like to participate in inventing a government from afar (Louis XVIII's) and what happens when that government begins to disintegrate, and nobody knows what will happen next (the escape from Elba).
Finally, we get a succinct overview of Waterloo, and the desperate days of the Alliance. It ends shortly after Napoleon is sent off to St. Helena.
I would have liked more delving into Castlereagh, so conflicted and interesting a character, and a bit more focus on the Polish question and their remarkable champion, but this is a short book, and the writer must pick and choose.
It was amusing to recognize bits from this or that memoir or set of letters, however unlike those, King navigates between the Scylla of unreliable narrators (and the memoirists are all more or less unreliable in that they all wrote with an intention, often to paper over their own shortcomings and affairs de coeur with penetrating hindsight and noble patriotism, or to slander an enemy)and the Charybdis of nineteenth and early twentieth century whitewashing.
So we know who was sleeping with whom (including proof of one of Metternich's more important indiscretions, the letters illustrating which having lain secretly in a Swedish palace wall until 1989), who was friends or rivals with whom, peppered with the popular Prince de Ligne's wit. The man was not the least important in state affairs, but he knew everyone pretty much the entire century, and he had his refined finger on the pulse of society all his long life. And people knew it. It's just this sort of person who is usually excised from histories in favor or earnest politicians or determined military men, which robs a history of a sense of the time.
Most important, I think, King successfully demonstrates how (though we use the term "Napoleonic" for the era) Talleyrand was at least as influential, as powerful, and far, far more longsighted. Talleyrand never led armies to smite thousands of lives, but he was expert in shaping the fallout into a semblance of order, and then rejuggling as those statesmen and military leaders rushed about grabbing what they could.
Revolving like satellites are personalities like Alexander of Russia, and those who influenced him, including his mysterious sage. That's another thing I like: King does not leave out the women. Though they were kept from prominence in the legal sense, they had tremendous influence socially and intimately, which King demonstrates.
Finally, he illustrates what it was like for so many kings to live for this protracted time in close proximity--something that had never before occurred. He also illustrates what it was like to participate in inventing a government from afar (Louis XVIII's) and what happens when that government begins to disintegrate, and nobody knows what will happen next (the escape from Elba).
Finally, we get a succinct overview of Waterloo, and the desperate days of the Alliance. It ends shortly after Napoleon is sent off to St. Helena.
I would have liked more delving into Castlereagh, so conflicted and interesting a character, and a bit more focus on the Polish question and their remarkable champion, but this is a short book, and the writer must pick and choose.
Read
May 24, 2012Peculiar mismatch of modern and period interests.
I hate to tell you this, but the fortunes of different peculiarly named German noble houses have turned out to have fuck all historical interest after that little thing we call the 20th century. Unless you're going to include the nasty details, I also do not care who Mitternich was dreaming about shagging on any given day. (I think it was mostly the Tsar. Or maybe thats the author.)
But, yes, let's dedicate chapters and chapters to that and only briefly skim over such curious irrelevant historical asides as the first international statement against slavery and the seed of humanitarian issues in global politics, or one of the Grimm brothers wandering around complaining about book piracy and the beginning of the notion of intellectual property. Those aren't interesting at all to a modern reader, lets talk about someone's hat some more instead!
I hate to tell you this, but the fortunes of different peculiarly named German noble houses have turned out to have fuck all historical interest after that little thing we call the 20th century. Unless you're going to include the nasty details, I also do not care who Mitternich was dreaming about shagging on any given day. (I think it was mostly the Tsar. Or maybe thats the author.)
But, yes, let's dedicate chapters and chapters to that and only briefly skim over such curious irrelevant historical asides as the first international statement against slavery and the seed of humanitarian issues in global politics, or one of the Grimm brothers wandering around complaining about book piracy and the beginning of the notion of intellectual property. Those aren't interesting at all to a modern reader, lets talk about someone's hat some more instead!
June 7, 2019
A fascinating history of the Congress of Vienna in 1814, when the European powers met to decide how to put the world back together after Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated. What was supposed to be a congress turned into the most lavish party of all time, with more aristocracy and royalty gathered in one place than any other point in history, from kings to tzars. And while they were busy not accomplishing anything, Napoleon Bonaparte just happened to escape from Elba.
I truly knew none of this history before, and although I knew about Napoleon, and what he did as he conquered different lands, I never really thought about the mess that was left behind for the leaders of Europe to deal with. I really enjoyed this, and the fun little asides and histories of each of the key players.
I truly knew none of this history before, and although I knew about Napoleon, and what he did as he conquered different lands, I never really thought about the mess that was left behind for the leaders of Europe to deal with. I really enjoyed this, and the fun little asides and histories of each of the key players.
July 29, 2023
This is a very fun analysis of the Congress. King sets it all up beautifully, discussing Vienna in 1814 and, throughout, detailing the various balls, parties, liasions, and affairs that created the social currency of the Congress. The parties at this thing were something else. And full of interesting figures: the Duchess of Sagan, Tsar Alexander, the Duke of Wellington, Monseiur Talleyrand and, of course, Prince Metternich. King's book also showcases Napoleon at one point! In general, King keeps the tone fairly light and always reminds the reader about the various social goings-on at any given time.
Occasionally, the social things overshadow the political ones. I found some of King's analysis of the Polish dispute, for instance, to be cursory and hard to follow. He did, however, explain the machinations over Saxony very well and described in depth the various personal differences between the various attendees. Talleyrand's actions gave me lots of enjoyment, given his laserlike focus on restoring France to the good graces of the other powers. He comes across well in this book as a brilliant and strategic thinker. I was disappointed with King's discussion of Metternich, on the other hand. King spent lots of time on his relationship with the Duchess of Sagan. Important no doubt, but I finished not really having much appreciation for a diplomat who played in Austrian politics for 35 years.
Another topic that was underdevloped was the relationshio between the Great Powers and the smaller ones invited to the Congress. It seemed fraught, but King doesn't spend tons of time on that.
Again, the book is fun and an easy read, which is no small feat given the complexity of the Congress. But it also often deviates from the political action. Hence it left something lacking for me. But overall a worthwhile read!
Occasionally, the social things overshadow the political ones. I found some of King's analysis of the Polish dispute, for instance, to be cursory and hard to follow. He did, however, explain the machinations over Saxony very well and described in depth the various personal differences between the various attendees. Talleyrand's actions gave me lots of enjoyment, given his laserlike focus on restoring France to the good graces of the other powers. He comes across well in this book as a brilliant and strategic thinker. I was disappointed with King's discussion of Metternich, on the other hand. King spent lots of time on his relationship with the Duchess of Sagan. Important no doubt, but I finished not really having much appreciation for a diplomat who played in Austrian politics for 35 years.
Another topic that was underdevloped was the relationshio between the Great Powers and the smaller ones invited to the Congress. It seemed fraught, but King doesn't spend tons of time on that.
Again, the book is fun and an easy read, which is no small feat given the complexity of the Congress. But it also often deviates from the political action. Hence it left something lacking for me. But overall a worthwhile read!
November 10, 2024
Good mix of serious diplomatic history with enough background I could follow along and addressing the foibles of the very human people involved. The explanations of Waterloo were very easy to follow and by watching events unfold from Vienna I was able to see the battle more clearly.
January 3, 2014
About how the Congress of Vienna arrived at the decisions that it made after Napoleon's first abdication, and why it took such a tremendously long time for them to arrive at a conclusion. King does a good job of making all the players distinct and memorable. The pictures also help tremendously. But this book DESPERATELY NEEDS MAPS! King kept referring to this or that country which no longer exists, and how this one was next to that one and why that proximity made it a region that some other country didn't want someone else to have. In other words, the geography of the time was hugely important to all the decision-makers' concerns and decisions, and not to have a picture of what Europe looked like before Napoleon, after Napoleon, and the changes being proposed during the Congress was a huge omission. My dad agreed. He read this in two days, but it took me a couple of weeks.
I found all the deliberations to be slow reading (especially in the absence of maps!). Sometimes I liked the "filler" stuff about the balls and parties. The passage about Count Razumovsky's house burning to cinders I found interesting. But other times the entertainment frippery was described with little purpose or specificity. The chapters about Napoleon were more lively. When he escapes from Elba, everything in the book picks up speed and interest -- there's conflict! Something is happening! The chapters on Waterloo were very well done: just enough detail to be informative yet with enough pace to keep moving forward.
In spite of whatever complaints I might have had (including the fact of occasional grammar errors), this was enlightening material in that it helped me understand a phrase that got bandied about in my history classes all the time with little explanation: "Metternich's Europe." I understand better the ingredients that were in the pot when the events that triggered WWI happened, and I have a more specific sense of how Napoleon's actions affected Europe both during his time and for centuries afterward. I'm glad I read this.
I found all the deliberations to be slow reading (especially in the absence of maps!). Sometimes I liked the "filler" stuff about the balls and parties. The passage about Count Razumovsky's house burning to cinders I found interesting. But other times the entertainment frippery was described with little purpose or specificity. The chapters about Napoleon were more lively. When he escapes from Elba, everything in the book picks up speed and interest -- there's conflict! Something is happening! The chapters on Waterloo were very well done: just enough detail to be informative yet with enough pace to keep moving forward.
In spite of whatever complaints I might have had (including the fact of occasional grammar errors), this was enlightening material in that it helped me understand a phrase that got bandied about in my history classes all the time with little explanation: "Metternich's Europe." I understand better the ingredients that were in the pot when the events that triggered WWI happened, and I have a more specific sense of how Napoleon's actions affected Europe both during his time and for centuries afterward. I'm glad I read this.
March 2, 2023
The tale of a peace congress which was never technically a congress is told splendidly in David King's Vienna 1814: How the Conquerors of Napoleon Made War, Peace, and Love at the Congress of Vienna.
The book is set in the aftermath of Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at the Battle of Leipzig. The French emperor had since been exiled to the island of Elba, a move presented by the author as a “punishment” pushed by Russia's Czar Alexander I to show his magnanimity toward a defeated foe. In the interim between his defeat at Leipzig and the subsequent Hundred Days Campaign upon his escape, the allied victors met in Vienna for what was set to be a monumental peace conference.
Billed as the largest of its kind until that point, and upstaged only by the 1919 post-World War One conference in Paris, the victorious countries started out with high hopes as they traveled to Austria for the January 1815 meetup. It is important to bear in mind, however, that the Congress of Vienna never actually became a genuine congress in the sense that the decisions which were made occurred during side meetings and informal social gatherings. An actual meeting as a whole body of nations was not able to take place, not for the least of reasons being that Napoleon's escape from exile disrupted a lot of the assumptions the Vienna Congress was based on.
The recounting of the lavish parties thrown for the participants in Vienna made for something out of the Ancien Regime or Roaring Twenties. The residents of Vienna, following years of sacrifice and war tearing apart much of Europe, could not have been too pleased to see such extravagance on display. But the monarchs and delegates present seemed not to have cared.
The cast of characters David King introduces in this book is lengthy but each one is incorporated well into the broader storyline. The key monarchs/czars present included Emperor Francis I (of the host country Austria), King Frederick William III of Prussia, and Czar Alexander I. Of these, it is Czar Alexander who receives the bulk of the attention.
As the 'Love' in the title indicates, there is a soap opera aspect to the time in Vienna; it is the flirtatious Russian czar who plays a central role in the distractive romantic element. He was distracted from his responsibilities at the conference thanks to a romantic tryst with Catherine Bagration, the socialite wife of a Russian prince who died fighting Napoleon's Grand Armee. Their late night meetups were not even bothered being kept a secret from the other diplomats at the congress.
The diplomats play a bigger role in King's telling of the conference than do the monarchs.
Lord Robert Castlereagh of Britain is active in the side meetings which defined the Vienna Congress. He frequently had disagreements with Parliament back home and would ultimately would be recalled in favor of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. The Austrian official Klemens von Metternich is probably the most referenced individual at the entire conference. The Vienna Congress was arguably the high point of a long career in service to the Habsburg crown, and the author routinely cites his efforts to find common ground between the players who gathered in the aftermath of what was assumed to have been Napoleon's final defeat.
Metternich's romantic pursuit of the Duchess of Sagan was shown to be a distraction from his diplomatic duties, and readers (as with Czar Alexander's own sexual fling) cannot help but be appalled at how judgment might have been clouded thanks to the elevation of private interests to a point of neglecting other duties.
The chief representative for the defeated French power was Charles Talleyrand, a man every bit Metternich's equal in the diplomatic sphere. The fact that many of those who now cursed Napoleon's name had at one point been on his side-Czar Alexander I being chief among these-was a source of frustration to Talleyrand, who had since turned on Napoleon himself. With the Bourbon King Louis XVIII (temporarily) installed on the throne, Talleyrand was anxious to turn the page and forge a new post-Napoleonic path for his nation. He wanted the congress to delineate between the actions of Napoleon on one hand and those of the collective French nation on the other when figuring out how to forge a bright future for Europe.
Geopolitics is present in spades during the meetup in the seat of Habsburg power. The inter-Germanic clash of interests between Prussia and Saxony loomed large over the conference. The status of Poland proved a sticking point as well, and in both of these scenarios the role of Russian power politics was decisive.
England's desire to have a continental balance to offset potential future Russian or French influence produced the sort of maneuvering which had defined and would continue to define Europe's politics for a century.
King presents the congress as putting together a framework which held for the following century. Even though the Franco-Prussian War and Crimean War did take place in that timespan, they were largely regional affairs which did not become a continental or worldwide conflagration. The book would have verged on five star material had the author taken more time to zoom out and look at the forest of how the agreements in Vienna shaped broader inter-nation policies. Instead, the trees of individual romances and clashes of interests are examined in a manner which does make for admittedly enjoyable reading.
Vienna 1814 is a valuable resource for seeing how the leaders of the anti-Napoleonic nations envisioned a future with the conquering Petit Caporal no longer heading an empire. At times it seems an entirely unrelatable world, one with over-the-top masquerades and absurdly lavish balls sure to offend the locals. At other times it seems a not too distant world of countries jockeying for land and position, with supposedly high principles being professed to cover up for the thinly veiled power politics which function as the real guiding lodestars.
The writing style in this book is commendable. It unspools at times like a drama, with the key actors playing their roles and keeping the momentum going. A lot can be learned about human nature and the nature of nineteenth century European diplomatic bargaining.
Vienna 1814 is certainly worth taking the time to crack open and read.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
The book is set in the aftermath of Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat at the Battle of Leipzig. The French emperor had since been exiled to the island of Elba, a move presented by the author as a “punishment” pushed by Russia's Czar Alexander I to show his magnanimity toward a defeated foe. In the interim between his defeat at Leipzig and the subsequent Hundred Days Campaign upon his escape, the allied victors met in Vienna for what was set to be a monumental peace conference.
Billed as the largest of its kind until that point, and upstaged only by the 1919 post-World War One conference in Paris, the victorious countries started out with high hopes as they traveled to Austria for the January 1815 meetup. It is important to bear in mind, however, that the Congress of Vienna never actually became a genuine congress in the sense that the decisions which were made occurred during side meetings and informal social gatherings. An actual meeting as a whole body of nations was not able to take place, not for the least of reasons being that Napoleon's escape from exile disrupted a lot of the assumptions the Vienna Congress was based on.
The recounting of the lavish parties thrown for the participants in Vienna made for something out of the Ancien Regime or Roaring Twenties. The residents of Vienna, following years of sacrifice and war tearing apart much of Europe, could not have been too pleased to see such extravagance on display. But the monarchs and delegates present seemed not to have cared.
The cast of characters David King introduces in this book is lengthy but each one is incorporated well into the broader storyline. The key monarchs/czars present included Emperor Francis I (of the host country Austria), King Frederick William III of Prussia, and Czar Alexander I. Of these, it is Czar Alexander who receives the bulk of the attention.
As the 'Love' in the title indicates, there is a soap opera aspect to the time in Vienna; it is the flirtatious Russian czar who plays a central role in the distractive romantic element. He was distracted from his responsibilities at the conference thanks to a romantic tryst with Catherine Bagration, the socialite wife of a Russian prince who died fighting Napoleon's Grand Armee. Their late night meetups were not even bothered being kept a secret from the other diplomats at the congress.
The diplomats play a bigger role in King's telling of the conference than do the monarchs.
Lord Robert Castlereagh of Britain is active in the side meetings which defined the Vienna Congress. He frequently had disagreements with Parliament back home and would ultimately would be recalled in favor of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington. The Austrian official Klemens von Metternich is probably the most referenced individual at the entire conference. The Vienna Congress was arguably the high point of a long career in service to the Habsburg crown, and the author routinely cites his efforts to find common ground between the players who gathered in the aftermath of what was assumed to have been Napoleon's final defeat.
Metternich's romantic pursuit of the Duchess of Sagan was shown to be a distraction from his diplomatic duties, and readers (as with Czar Alexander's own sexual fling) cannot help but be appalled at how judgment might have been clouded thanks to the elevation of private interests to a point of neglecting other duties.
The chief representative for the defeated French power was Charles Talleyrand, a man every bit Metternich's equal in the diplomatic sphere. The fact that many of those who now cursed Napoleon's name had at one point been on his side-Czar Alexander I being chief among these-was a source of frustration to Talleyrand, who had since turned on Napoleon himself. With the Bourbon King Louis XVIII (temporarily) installed on the throne, Talleyrand was anxious to turn the page and forge a new post-Napoleonic path for his nation. He wanted the congress to delineate between the actions of Napoleon on one hand and those of the collective French nation on the other when figuring out how to forge a bright future for Europe.
Geopolitics is present in spades during the meetup in the seat of Habsburg power. The inter-Germanic clash of interests between Prussia and Saxony loomed large over the conference. The status of Poland proved a sticking point as well, and in both of these scenarios the role of Russian power politics was decisive.
England's desire to have a continental balance to offset potential future Russian or French influence produced the sort of maneuvering which had defined and would continue to define Europe's politics for a century.
King presents the congress as putting together a framework which held for the following century. Even though the Franco-Prussian War and Crimean War did take place in that timespan, they were largely regional affairs which did not become a continental or worldwide conflagration. The book would have verged on five star material had the author taken more time to zoom out and look at the forest of how the agreements in Vienna shaped broader inter-nation policies. Instead, the trees of individual romances and clashes of interests are examined in a manner which does make for admittedly enjoyable reading.
Vienna 1814 is a valuable resource for seeing how the leaders of the anti-Napoleonic nations envisioned a future with the conquering Petit Caporal no longer heading an empire. At times it seems an entirely unrelatable world, one with over-the-top masquerades and absurdly lavish balls sure to offend the locals. At other times it seems a not too distant world of countries jockeying for land and position, with supposedly high principles being professed to cover up for the thinly veiled power politics which function as the real guiding lodestars.
The writing style in this book is commendable. It unspools at times like a drama, with the key actors playing their roles and keeping the momentum going. A lot can be learned about human nature and the nature of nineteenth century European diplomatic bargaining.
Vienna 1814 is certainly worth taking the time to crack open and read.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
December 14, 2009
First of all--written by a Kentuckian and a professor at my alma mater UK. Yeah! Okay, moving on...fascinating topic that I was not knowledgable about previously, and an interesting, novel-y writing style. I loved all the gossipy stuff about the parties and the love affairs, and all the lovely descriptions of gowns and mansions and various intrigues. And while a lot of the political/diplomatic information was interesting, I did get a little bogged down when this got extremely detailed; I'm simply not well-informed enough about this topic to get much out of the minute details of a broken alliance between Russian and Prussia about Saxony, or whatever. Some sections seemed more well-suited for the academic reader, or at least for someone with a burning interest in the congress of Vienna (which I totally get, since I have these burning interests in a number of totally random topics). But this is definitely still a good choice for the layman (or laylady) with an interest in lively, gossipy histories--with just a little bit of scanning around some of the sections.
July 25, 2012
If you can look past the tediously tabloidish chatter about the romping love lives of the participants, this is an interesting and sprightly history of a crucial moment in the history of Europe. In a transparent effort to add pizzazz to a topic not known for great sales potential, the books is stuffed with sexual nuggets big and small, rendered with a gleeful tattletale flavor that does serious damage to quality of this book. This is a shame, because the book is otherwise well-written, fascinating, and highly enjoyable. I would cherish a de-Harlequinized version, but, as it is, I am more conflicted about the reading experience. There is, nonetheless, a lot of good history in this volume and it presents in a lively and intriguing narrative with vivid character sketches of major participants and suitable historical background to be accessible to a wide audience. On net, it is still good for the reader looking to get a handle on the subject.
October 11, 2009
okay, it's a trend. the prequel to Versailles. really good stuff.
October 22, 2024
Ever see a book about something you’ve never heard of and decide to pick it up on a purely curious whim? I saw “Vienna 1814…” at a library book sale for a dollar. Why not!? Keep in mind, I probably couldn’t point to Austria on a map, so this was a deep dive into a subject I barely knew existed.
“Vienna 1814…” by David King is a masterful account of a massive peace congress opened after the Napoleonic Wars. Europe was in ruins after the “Corsican Ogre” had cut and carved his way through the country. King effectively covers this congress, which starts earnestly, transitions into a money wasting vanity fair (rich people amirite?), finally transforming into a somewhat effective military and peace meeting.
This book is filled to the brim with different characters and countries, alongside singular agents looking to forward their own agenda. The motives vary as much as the personalities - and these folk have personalities. King does a wonderful job at giving every player their voice. Talleyrand stuck out to me rather strongly.
As the Congress meanders, King’s focus instead switches to Napoleon. This exiled Emperor of Elba rules his tiny island with efficiency and purpose. While Vienna sparkles, Napoleon prepares. The book reaches its climax when Napoleon returns to France, builds his army, and begins his march to the infamous Waterloo.
The fall of the Congress and its players is just as exciting as its inception. No one will come out unscathed. The final fates that stood out to me were the unlucky Castleraegh and the mysterious Tsar Alexander. Side note, I have to learn more about this Tsar. Absolute wackadoodle.
This book has a lot of names, places, and plot lines. A robust index in the back is incredibly helpful. Additionally, King does a good job at reminding you the loyalties and motives of less frequent characters. Still, it’s a daunting book and I’m certain there are a few characters I’d missed.
I think that King’s book is incredibly informative and entertaining. It was approachable by a complete novice and inspired me to read more about Napoleon and 19th century Europe. If any complaint, the book has an insane number of characters and demands a lot from the reader. 4/5, a dense but entertaining read on a subject that deserves the focus. Would recommend to fans of European history or if you like reading about rich assholes.
Side note: reading all of these squabbles between monarchs made me more proud to be an American than any book I’ve read. I love to hate royalty
“Vienna 1814…” by David King is a masterful account of a massive peace congress opened after the Napoleonic Wars. Europe was in ruins after the “Corsican Ogre” had cut and carved his way through the country. King effectively covers this congress, which starts earnestly, transitions into a money wasting vanity fair (rich people amirite?), finally transforming into a somewhat effective military and peace meeting.
This book is filled to the brim with different characters and countries, alongside singular agents looking to forward their own agenda. The motives vary as much as the personalities - and these folk have personalities. King does a wonderful job at giving every player their voice. Talleyrand stuck out to me rather strongly.
As the Congress meanders, King’s focus instead switches to Napoleon. This exiled Emperor of Elba rules his tiny island with efficiency and purpose. While Vienna sparkles, Napoleon prepares. The book reaches its climax when Napoleon returns to France, builds his army, and begins his march to the infamous Waterloo.
The fall of the Congress and its players is just as exciting as its inception. No one will come out unscathed. The final fates that stood out to me were the unlucky Castleraegh and the mysterious Tsar Alexander. Side note, I have to learn more about this Tsar. Absolute wackadoodle.
This book has a lot of names, places, and plot lines. A robust index in the back is incredibly helpful. Additionally, King does a good job at reminding you the loyalties and motives of less frequent characters. Still, it’s a daunting book and I’m certain there are a few characters I’d missed.
I think that King’s book is incredibly informative and entertaining. It was approachable by a complete novice and inspired me to read more about Napoleon and 19th century Europe. If any complaint, the book has an insane number of characters and demands a lot from the reader. 4/5, a dense but entertaining read on a subject that deserves the focus. Would recommend to fans of European history or if you like reading about rich assholes.
Side note: reading all of these squabbles between monarchs made me more proud to be an American than any book I’ve read. I love to hate royalty
February 16, 2019
This is a rare bird in history. Not a dry, historical monograph 2 feet high or a breezy, gossipy tell-all of the biggest political and social party of all times (which it could easily have been either one). Instead, it is a comprehensible, somewhat meaty, almost novel-like book of a complex, lengthy, and important event influenced as much by personalities, parties, and love affairs as by the aftermath of 20 years of a brutal series of wars that left countries devastated, bankrupt, countless dead, borders eradicated--in some cases, countries--and hundreds of hot spots and issues that could spring up into another European conflagration at any time. Any one aspect of this event could inspire multiple books, so to be able to weave the many threads into a work that covers so many subjects with some substance and provides a context for one another is remarkable.
This work would have benefited from maps. Lots of these territories were small principalities and city-states that the reader probably doesn't know exactly where they are on a map and in relationship to each other which would help explain some of the disputes. This would be particularly useful with regard to Prussia, Saxony, Poland and other bits being offered up as so many cuts of turkey on Thanksgiving.
It is important to include Napoleon's return to power during the Congress because it explains the way some things ended up and were left unfinished as well why things decided at the Congress were changed at the Treaty of Paris. However, I wish a little less time was spent on it and more on the German issue. This was an important step to the eventual unification of Germany and the domination of Prussia, never mind the source of many military flare-ups in the next 100 years.
I loved the use of primary material in this book. It livened up the text and gives an insight to the personalities at work. There is also a good bibliography and endnotes that provides further reading for those that are interested (there will be some I'll be looking into).
This work would have benefited from maps. Lots of these territories were small principalities and city-states that the reader probably doesn't know exactly where they are on a map and in relationship to each other which would help explain some of the disputes. This would be particularly useful with regard to Prussia, Saxony, Poland and other bits being offered up as so many cuts of turkey on Thanksgiving.
It is important to include Napoleon's return to power during the Congress because it explains the way some things ended up and were left unfinished as well why things decided at the Congress were changed at the Treaty of Paris. However, I wish a little less time was spent on it and more on the German issue. This was an important step to the eventual unification of Germany and the domination of Prussia, never mind the source of many military flare-ups in the next 100 years.
I loved the use of primary material in this book. It livened up the text and gives an insight to the personalities at work. There is also a good bibliography and endnotes that provides further reading for those that are interested (there will be some I'll be looking into).
July 5, 2023
The subtitle of this book is How the Conquerers of Napoleon Made Love, War, and Peace at the Congress of Vienna, and that gives a pretty good indication of what lies within. It does lean a bit too heavy on the gossipy, tabloid-ish, pop history; the weather, what everyone was wearing, the dance balls, the steamy love affairs and unrequited infatuations, the back stabbings, and the emotional outbursts. And for that reason I cannot give this a full five stars, for it is a little overblown. That being said, King also does a commendable job of relating the diplomacy, the deals, the thorny geographical and political issues, the dynastic ties, and most importantly the personalities that made this Congress of Vienna an important watershed in European history. His portrayals of Talleyrand, Metternich, and Nicholas I in particular should be lauded. And indeed, those personalities, love affairs, and dance balls really are a *perfect* metaphor for the ostentatious pomp and ridiculous ceremony that entailed the gathering of the most powerful, pompous, rich, and showy monarchs and aristocrats in the world. No wonder nothing of substance got done for three full months while everyone was there. The more the book progresses, though, the more it focuses on the actual meat of the conference and its historical significance, and the reader will understand why the aforementioned sordid details are important within the context of the whole, and why the leaders almost lost the game, as it were, when Napoleon escaped Elba and attempted a return to power. So if you can look past the admittedly overdone sordid gossip at the beginning, you will see why this book deserves a solid four stars.
May 27, 2017
A fascinating account of the peace conference that established many of the conventions of modern diplomacy and statecraft that we still follow today. It was particularly interesting to me because historical figures I have read about are placed in specific Viennese locations where I have been.
This book rises above the ordinary history because it tells a story, and its source material are the diaries, love letters, correspondence, and government files of the persons and nations who participated. Most compelling were the files of Metternich's secret police, devoured by the Austrian Emperor every morning before diplomacy began.
That and the influence that two women, Princess Dorothea of Courland and her elder sister Princess Wilhelmina the Duchess of Sagan. Their salons, their love lives, and their flirtations had profound impact on the "Congress that Danced." And they knew it at the time and wielded that power with intention. Well behaved women rarely make history--and these women really did make history.
One downer: If one is going to record a volume about European history, especially with an American narrator, it would behoove one to either chose a narrator who is capable of rudimentary French and German pronunciation, or else have a production supervisor who monitors the audio version and corrects his appalling Americanese. If you don't know how to say, "Vive l'Empereur!" you should not record this book.
This book rises above the ordinary history because it tells a story, and its source material are the diaries, love letters, correspondence, and government files of the persons and nations who participated. Most compelling were the files of Metternich's secret police, devoured by the Austrian Emperor every morning before diplomacy began.
That and the influence that two women, Princess Dorothea of Courland and her elder sister Princess Wilhelmina the Duchess of Sagan. Their salons, their love lives, and their flirtations had profound impact on the "Congress that Danced." And they knew it at the time and wielded that power with intention. Well behaved women rarely make history--and these women really did make history.
One downer: If one is going to record a volume about European history, especially with an American narrator, it would behoove one to either chose a narrator who is capable of rudimentary French and German pronunciation, or else have a production supervisor who monitors the audio version and corrects his appalling Americanese. If you don't know how to say, "Vive l'Empereur!" you should not record this book.
October 31, 2018
Excellent book about the Congress of Vienna, or the 'Maybe' Congress of Vienna. How much really was accomplished because everyone basically partied for 9 months, until Napoleon escaped from the Isle of Elba and began his last 100 days, which would lead to the Battle of Waterloo.
I felt like it read like a novel because it explored how the all the personal drama going on in each of the leaders' lives impacted any and all decisions being made. Some leaders confided the negotiations to their mistresses, asking their opinion. Metternich was so lovesick for the Duchess Sagan, I wondered how he was able to get anything accomplished.
I listened to this on audiobook while driving in my van or while running the local trails. I was engrossed in the history and side-stories of each major player during this peace conference. I even found myself laughing out loud at some parts.
Historians later looked down upon the Congress of Vienna, because of all of the excess: parties every day, lavish dinners, drinking, etc, all made for slow progress of the peace treaty. In his epilogue, the author notes that this may have been a good thing. All of the major world leaders were in the same geographic location when Tallyrand received the message that Napoloen had escaped. They were able to decide, together, how to defeat him once and for all.
I felt like it read like a novel because it explored how the all the personal drama going on in each of the leaders' lives impacted any and all decisions being made. Some leaders confided the negotiations to their mistresses, asking their opinion. Metternich was so lovesick for the Duchess Sagan, I wondered how he was able to get anything accomplished.
I listened to this on audiobook while driving in my van or while running the local trails. I was engrossed in the history and side-stories of each major player during this peace conference. I even found myself laughing out loud at some parts.
Historians later looked down upon the Congress of Vienna, because of all of the excess: parties every day, lavish dinners, drinking, etc, all made for slow progress of the peace treaty. In his epilogue, the author notes that this may have been a good thing. All of the major world leaders were in the same geographic location when Tallyrand received the message that Napoloen had escaped. They were able to decide, together, how to defeat him once and for all.
November 6, 2023
I came into this book focused on the peace negotiations of the Congress of Vienna themselves and wasn't really interested that much in the relationships between the leaders there, their personal lives, and the festivities of the Congress itself. Fortunately, the author skillfully characterized every historical figure involved and used those characterizations to keep me interested all the way through this book. He was so successful that when I began Vienna 1814, I couldn't care less about Metternich's love life, but after finishing it, I found his love life fascinating. Figures such as Alexander I, Metternich, Talleyrand, and Napoleon are all given room to breathe and I think through Vienna 1814, the readers do get to understand them. While the festivities of the congress themselves could be very boring, David King somehow makes them interesting to read about too.
However, my one complaint about Vienna 1814 is that it doesn't have maps of the plans proposed in negotiations, which means that I have to imagine the territory that Prussia wanted, for example. It would be so much easier to follow if the author had provided maps of various proposals for readers to evaluate.
However, my one complaint about Vienna 1814 is that it doesn't have maps of the plans proposed in negotiations, which means that I have to imagine the territory that Prussia wanted, for example. It would be so much easier to follow if the author had provided maps of various proposals for readers to evaluate.
May 28, 2017
I'll always remember the AP modern history exam question my senior year in high school 'lo these 54 years ago. Something to the effect of: pick one statesman - either Metternich, Talleyrand or Castlereagh - and discuss his approach to diplomacy vis a vis the other two at the Congress of Vienna. A nifty and thought-provoking question. If I had read David King's book way back then I would have had so much more to say! King makes that famous congress come alive with his well-researched portrayal of all the major and minor players with plenty of juicy anecdotal material to hold the reader's interest. The book makes clear the immense difficulty faced by this massive collection of representatives from the powerful and not-so-powerful countries - conquerors of Napoleon - all with differing agendas trying to forge a lasting peace while maintaining a strong balance of power. A valuable contribution to modern European diplomatic history.
May 26, 2023
David King’s Vienna 1814 chronicles the eight months of a Congress that never actually convened that nonetheless carved up Europe, rearranged territories, deconstructed kingdoms, called for the end of slavery, returned Napoleon’s stolen art, fought Napoleon after his escape from Elba and largely avoided another continental war for 100 years. And the most consequential figures of the early 19 th century were there. Tsar Alexander, Metternich, Talleyrand, Castelreagh, Wellington,Francis I, Prussia’n King Frederick William, the Duchess of Sagan, Princess Bagration, napoleon’s wife Marie Louise—even Ludwig Beethoven. Amid innumerable banquets, masked balls and an elaborate sleigh ride they worked through a new, post Napoleonic era. Metternich and Talleyrand were the real influencers for better or worse. They bought a long peace but planted the seeds of instability that erupted in WWI. Reads like the author was there at the Hofburg.
August 1, 2019
First, I listened to the audio book version so my review is colored by that lens. This book is quite interesting yet I feel sometimes the author focuses more on the salons, balls, gossip, etc than the actual diplomacy in the room. Saying that, he does do a good job in connecting the extracurricular activities into how it affected the leaders and diplomats of the main five powers. I plan to read Adam Zamoyski's book on this event sometime soon, and I will come back to add a comparison once completed.
April 18, 2020
This is written more like a 19th century gossip column than a history book, but it's well done. The Congress of Vienna not only re-set Europe's borders after Napoleon's first abdication in 1814, but also entrenched religious rights for Jews and took steps toward abolishing slavery.
Interesting to learn about the personalities and rivalries involved. There's a very quick treatment of the Hundred Days before Napoleon's second abdication, culminating with Waterloo and his exile to Saint Helena.
The book made me want to learn more about Metternich and Talleyrand, two of the main diplomats.
Interesting to learn about the personalities and rivalries involved. There's a very quick treatment of the Hundred Days before Napoleon's second abdication, culminating with Waterloo and his exile to Saint Helena.
The book made me want to learn more about Metternich and Talleyrand, two of the main diplomats.
August 7, 2024
I thought that this was a thoroughly engrossing book despite knowing very, very little about Napoleon and the Napoleonic Wars. You might call it a bit of creative nonfiction in the sense that, yes, real information was being conveyed (backed up by about 100 or so pages of sources), but it was being conveyed in a chronological and story-like sense. That, to me, helped greatly with the reading process as well as understanding the characters, despite them all being real people. I definitely recommend you check this one out and I hope to read this again sometime.
February 2, 2018
Fantastic historical nonfiction account of the peace congress in Vienna in 1814 following Napoleons exile to Elba. The author kept the tale from ever being dry or dull. It almost read like a novel. I definitely want to check out other books written by David King as this was so enjoyable and so well written. It also had so much detail and truly set the scene. One could imagine exactly how it would be living in Vienna and experiencing it all.
December 21, 2022
My favorite part of this book is when the Tsar of Russia threatened a French Minister with war if he didn't get his way with Poland only to declare he had to leave in the middle of their conversation for the theater. That or when the very same Tsar Alexander challenged an Austrian Statesman to a duel to the death and had to be talked down by his entire entourage.
Man rich people are really something else
Man rich people are really something else
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