Edward Crankshaw (1909–1984)

This book tackles an ambitious piece of Russian history: the near century of imperial rule leading up to the 1917 Russian Revolution. The reigns of tsars Nicholas I, Alexander II, Alexander III, and Nicholas II are covered. The focus is on the political outlook and policies of each ruler are discussed, giving the reader a sense of how Russia responded to reforms, repressions, and everything in between. I am not certain I can concur with the author's conclusions about the Russian people, the show more autocratic system, and why reform was so difficult, but I hope to find more extensive and updated research on this topic in other sources. Overall, this book made for an interesting read on why the Romanov dynasty collapsed, although it did make for dense reading at times (as one might expect when condensing so much history into less than 400 pages). show less

There was no proper drop, only stools to be kicked away, and the stools were too low for a quick kill.

A friend of mine worked at University and saw a stack of copies being remaindered; he purchased these for our literature club (samizdat) and I duly devoured it. Crankshaw may appear to be a determinist per the Saga Rus but it is more nuanced than such. This is a remarkable text.

Well written look at Bismarck. It is not a complete and thorough biography, which is by design. The author was very adept at relating history and personalities. Bismarck was a force across Europe throughout his time in power and while he kept war to a minimum, the author also points out that he laid the foundation for 2 world wars, in major part. Good reading.

The Austrian Empire disintegrated with the conclusion of World War I. This history traces the long decline in its fortunes that took place in Franz Josef's long reign. The military disasters of Solferino and Koniggratz, the failure to gain ascendancy over Prussia in a modern Germany, the determination of the Magyars to thwart any political moves by Austria that didn't accord with Hungarian nationalism, the unhappy marriage to Archduchess Elizabeth, her assassination, the subjection of Franz show more Josef to his unbearable mother, Sophie, his brother's assassination as France's stool-pigeon in Mexico, his son's suicide pact at Mayerling, his heir and nephew's assassination at Sarajevo, Franz Josef's adherence to duty above all, all pile up into an imperial tragedy.
The writing is informed, opinionated and backed up with authoritative references.
The final ignominy of this disaster is best illustrated by Emperor Karl's decision to quit office on 11 November 1918. It was signed in pencil. (Karl succeeded Franz Josef, who died in November 1916, a burnt out Emperor). show less