Vienna: The International Capital

by Angus Robertson

Vienna is unique amongst world capitals in its consistent international importance over the centuries. From the ascent of the Habsburgs as Europe's leading dynasty to the Congress of Vienna, which reordered Europe after Napoleon, to bridge- building summits during the Cold War, it is the Austrian capital that has been the scene of key moments in European and world affairs. History has been shaped by scores of figures influenced by their time in Vienna, Empress Maria Theresa, Count Metternich, Bertha von Suttner, Theodore Herzl, Gustav Mahler, Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, John F. Kennedy and many others. In a city of great composers and thinkers it is here that both the most positive and destructive ideas of recent history have developed. From its time as the capital of an imperial superpower, through war, dissolution, dictatorship to democracy Vienna has reinvented itself and its relevance to the rest of the world.

565 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 7, 2021

Reviews

[Tilda🌟 · Rating 3 out of 5]

chronologically a lovely overview but wish perhaps there was a bit more 'pizazz' !!!!

sometimes I get this with historical books - they can be written in such a slow and methodical way that it takes the pleasure out of the reading. Tell me a story! history is exciting! gimme some spice!

anyway, this book has given me lots of little tidbits of knowledge (which i have been gradually assimilating to my poor friends, who are now at the mercy of little facts about the city at regular intervals....)

servus, happy to be here wien < 3

[Ermeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several books on Vienna and Austria's history, this one strikes the right balance between detailed information and simplicity. It highlights Vienna's global significance through the ages. For those new to the city's history and unsure where to begin, I highly recommend this book.

[Captain Absurd · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is not your typical book that drips with curiosities and colorful scenes, rather it has a tone of a textbook. There also seems to be very little memorable historical anecdotes here, though of course I have jotted down a few quotes in my notebook (like the one about suicide epidemic that preceded the popularity of Freud's methods). All in all it feels like a decent 3 stars material.