The Assassination of the Archduke: Sarajevo 1914 and the Romance that Changed the World

by Greg King, Sue Woolmans

Drawing on unpublished letters and rare primary sources, King and Woolmans tell the true story behind the tragic romance and brutal assassination that sparked World War I

In the summer of 1914, three great empires dominated Europe: Germany, Russia, and Austria-Hungary. Four years later all had vanished in the chaos of World War I. One event precipitated the conflict, and at its hear was a tragic love story. When Austrian heir Archduke Franz Ferdinand married for love against the wishes of the emperor, he and his wife Sophie were humiliated and shunned, yet they remained devoted to each other and to their children. The two bullets fired in Sarajevo not only ended their love story, but also led to war and a century of conflict.

Set against a backdrop of glittering privilege, The Assassination of the Archduke combines royal history, touching romance, and political murder in a moving portrait of the end of an era. One hundred years after the event, it offers the startling truth behind the Sarajevo assassinations, including Serbian complicity and examines rumors of conspiracy and official negligence. Events in Sarajevo also doomed the couple’s children to lives of loss, exile, and the horrors of Nazi concentration camps, their plight echoing the horrors unleashed by their parents’ deaths. Challenging a century of myth, The Assassination of the Archduke resonates as a very human story of love destroyed by murder, revolution, and war.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, World War I, War, European History, Historical

432 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2013

About the author

Greg King (born 1964) is an American author, best known for his biographies of prominent historical figures.

He is the author of eleven internationally published works of royal and social history, specializing in late Imperial Russia and Edwardian-era royalty, including The Fate of the Romanovs, The Court of the Last Tsar, and the UK bestseller The Duchess of Windsor. A frequent onscreen expert and commentator for historical documentaries, his work has appeared in Majesty Magazine, Royalty Magazine, Royalty Digest, and Atlantis Magazine.

Source: wikipedia.com & us.macmillan.com

Reviews

[Chrissie · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I was listening to this book, well narrated by Malcolm Hillgartner, I enjoyed it very much. That ought to mean four stars..... but as I thought about the book later I realized I had some reservations.

It was extremely interesting to learn about the life of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, assassinated at Sarajevo, the spark that ignited WW1. Learning about the troubles that already existed in the Balkans and the relationships between The Austrian-Hungarian Empire and the Russians was enlightening and thorough. Learning about Franz Ferdinand's morganatic marriage with his wife Sophie was eye-opening. I had never been acquainted with the concept of such a marriage. Wiki defines a morganatic marriage in this way: "In the context of royalty, a morganatic marriage is a marriage between people of unequal social rank, which prevents the passage of the husband's titles and privileges to the wife and any children born of the marriage." In this book you see in personal terms the suffering that such a marriage causes.

What we learn about the family is through letters that remain and through the known actions that were taken. The reader does not get a firsthand account of how the characters' thoughts, although you do clearly come to understand how they must have thought given their actions. Still one is not 100% sure.

There is a lot about the splendor of the royalty, about the food eaten the clothing worn and the manners of this class. Even Sophie was of a class that we today would consider posh, but she wasn't good enough for the Emperor's successor

The relationship between Franz Ferdinand and his uncle, Franz Joseph the Emperor, was icy, troubled and complicated. Again, all of this is shown through what each character did to the other, more than what they said to the other. The reader looks on. Somehow I never felt I was in the head of any one of the central characters.

The reason I have withdrawn a star or two, why I enjoyed the book but didn't love it, was this distance I always felt to the characters. I was being told through actions rather than feeling their emotions. In addition I feel the book presents Franz Ferdinand more favorably than is realistic. His positive characteristics are emphasized over his faults. Thirdly, there are questions that the reader has that are not adequately explained. For example, a definition of a morganatic marriage at the beginning of the book would have been helpful. Another instance is why the Nazi's put the couple's children in concentration camps. This could have been more clearly explained. Yeah, you figure it out, but it took me awhile and maybe I have not understood correctly. I wish this had been spelled out more clearly. And perhaps I simply enjoy reading more about the commoners than people of royal status. I just felt a bit uncomfortable with all the posh life style. And the hunting! The sport as it was viewed by Franz Ferdinand, is hard to stomach. But that is who he was and this is a book of non-fiction.

I learned a lot and the book makes you ponder what would have happened had he been killed at a hunting match before he could ever have been assassinated by the Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip! And who was behind his assassination? Austrians? All of this is fascinating.

[Nicole~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debris flew, windows shattered, and the crowd erupted in screams at the unexpected explosion, Sophie raised a hand to her neck where a splinter left its mark. Franz commanded the vehicle to stop, amidst the panic and mayhem in the streets, while spectators caught up with the assailant shouting, "I am a Serbian hero!" All was well again, they thought, and the motorcade proceeded to their destination. On the second lag of the motorcade's procession through the streets of Sarajevo, nineteen year old Gavrilo Princip readied his pistol....eeny, meeny, miney, moe..., "where I aimed I do not know." Three shots. One pierced straight through Franz Ferdinand's plumed helmet, and as Sophie turned to him, registering the blood trickling down his mouth, she too contorted and slumped over. It was fourteen years to the day of their marriage, on June 28th, 1914 when the heir apparent to the Hapsburg throne, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria-Este and his wife, Sophie Duchess of Hohenberg were murdered in what was clearly a choreographed but badly executed series of attacks, considered to have been the catalyst that ignited the First World War.

The scar of culpability was branded into the Serbian government like original sin, guilty by its blatant disregard of constant rumors of a murder conspiracy and its inexcusable neglect in taking measures for high level security for the royals. Joint conspiracies across nations were suspected, trying to account for the incredible ease in which the government was blindsided by a young homicidal group of amateurs; even the Archduke had premonitions of his death prior to this very visit, but allowed his fears to be allayed by those he trusted. So utterly tragic too, was the accidental death of Sophie, who took a bullet meant for the Archduke - her death a regrettable mistake her assassin later confessed.

In this year of the 100th anniversary of the Sarajevo murders, biographers Greg King and Sue Woolmans have given a different view of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie Chotek, concentrating on their romance by painting a sympathetic story of a fairy-tale couple, who, against the disdain of imperial convention, were determined to be together in life and death - a tale that Princess Sophie von Hohenberg ( Franz's and Sophie's great-granddaughter ) acknowledges has been long-awaited and a righteous, justified impression.

Historically, the Archduke's character and actions have been highly unpopular among many in both Vienna's and Budapest's circles. An aristocrat through and through, he was arrogant, militaristic, an openly vocal anti-Semite, harbored an unveiled hatred for the Magyars, and accused of political tyranny. What he personified was a prosperous but antiquated empire, a monarch-in-waiting whose politics and ideology were often contradictory, who held tightly to the reins of imperious power while his public feared he would become an extension of Emperor Franz Josef's iron rule, positioned obscurely between corruption and barbarism.

King and Woolmans focused on the personal side of Franz Ferdinand who suffered frail health since childhood, often plagued by 'bad lungs'. He was introverted, studious, isolated as a youngster and very much overshadowed by his siblings. He grew to be an attentive father and family man; married for love, a devoted husband and profoundly loyal to his 'dear Soph'. Sophie's tale is heartbreaking, and of the two, hers is the more captivating, human and realistic. Although born into nobility herself, her family was not considered an equal of the likes of the Imperial Hapsburg House, judged thusly as an inferior, incomprehensible ill-match for the archduke. Imperial decree demanded that, in order to marry Sophie: Franz Ferdinand had to swear that any offspring would irrevocably have no right to succession.

... the consequences are that the marriage cannot be regarded as one between equals, and that the children springing from it can never be regarded as rightful children, entitled to the rights of members of Our House. - Emperor Franz Josef.

Almost daily since their morganatic marriage, Sophie was made to endure unspeakable humiliation, regarded with contempt and suffered constant, horrendous treatment by the imperial court. How she kept control of her self-respect through all that aristocrap is evidence of her indomitable fortitude and more than equal worth.

Their Cinderella story survived the most strenuously unnerving of imperial prejudices in an increasing politically unstable period for the empire, albeit to an unhappy ending one fateful midsummer's day, in the seminal event that triggered the most horrifying domino-effect of sequences, sadly leaving Franz's and Sophie's three children orphaned, to endure the condemned world their murder precipitated. Franz's prophetic and determined words declared years prior had finally come true: "even death will not part us!"

Part history, part romance: this biography was an illuminating view of the other side of Franz Ferdinand - although after reading more on the period that led to the tyrannicide, I'm not totally convinced that his character and politics were completely faultless. However, peering into the personal lives of the first fatal victims of WWI through King's and Woolmans's well-constructed scope was quite an intriguing and worthwhile learning experience.

[Doreen Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extremely interesting and well written book about the cause of the start of WWI. Think and feel what you will about Franz Ferdinand, Sophie and the Habsburgs. Good or bad you are certainly entitled to your opinion. This book, however, is so well worth reading. I hope you will give it a try and enjoy it as much as I did.

[Jill Hutchinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I am on the fence about this book. There are sections that are engrossing while others are rather dry and somewhat repetitive. With that being said, it is still an interesting look at the lives of the heir to the Austrian-Hungarian throne and his determination to marry the woman he chose and loved.

The Habsburg dynasty was a powerful force in Europe and Emperor Franz Joseph (FJ) had been on the throne for many years. The empire was steeped in traditions and archaic practices which were the law of the land. When his heir, Franz Ferdinand (FF) chose to marry Countess Sophie Chotek, FJ forbade it as she was considered beneath the royals. FF had other ideas and the struggle began. FF prevailed but the marriage was considered morganatic and Sophie and the couple's children were treated abysmally.
FF would remain the heir to the throne but Sophie would never be considered the Empress.

Fate was not kind to the couple and, as we know, their lives came to a shattering climax when they visited Sarajevo in the troubled country of Bosnia.....the ending of their lives and the beginning of WWI. The era of absolute monarchy was fading and I feel that the war was inevitable. The assassination only hastened it.

An interesting book which takes a different focus.

[Geevee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"A crowd immediately surrounded Princip. Baron Morsey rushed forward, cavalry sabre drawn. Spectators were beating Princip; when Morsey saw that he still held the gun, he turned the hilt of his sword against him, hitting him until the pistol clattered to the pavement. Princip managed to pull the vial of cyanide from his pocket and swallow the contents before it, too, was knocked from his hand. Like that used [earlier that day] by Čabrinović, it failed to kill him, apparently having lost its potency."

The attempt on Franz Ferdinand's life had been successful and, as Princip was bundled away, the ripples from Sarajevo started and grew in just over a month to a tidal wave that saw the major European powers locked into a war that brought death, destruction and misery to millions over 4 long years.

But this book is not of that war. It is about the events leading up to it, and in essence is more about a man, his wife and their children. It is a royal love story; a couple's love for each other and their family framed within a powerful dynasty that held traditions dear and measured and treated people by family standing and royal dynastic connection.

The book is a thoroughly enjoyable read that through diaries, official papers, press and first-person accounts ably gives the reader an insight into the life of Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

The authors - Greg King and Sue Woolmans - clearly like their subjects (no pun intended) and provide ample descriptions of the archduke as a man, husband and father. He is temperamental and impatient; friendly and kind; fiery yet shy and astute and keen for reform. Weave in his beloved wife Sophie who comes across as a sensible, kind and dignified women - but who was not of the "right" blood or high family connection and was treated abominably by Ferdinand's uncle Austrian emperor Franz Joseph I, his courtiers and government officials and servants - and you have the royal love story.

Franz Ferdinand was not expected to be a future emperor but family circumstances and tragedy changed this. He was educated and brought up as royalty were across Europe in the 19th Century. He toured, hunted, collected, courted and joined the military. The matches were not to his liking until he connected with Sophie and they became attracted to each other and despite advice, cajoling, sustained character assassinations and threats of disenfranchisement they married.

Franz Ferdinand was devoted to his wife - in modern terms she might be described as best friend, his rock and sounding board - and she to him. The children were greatly loved and there are many touching examples in the book of physical, verbal and written expressions of love, joy and contentment they gave their parents.

Politically Franz Ferdinand remains somewhat of a mystery. There was some coverage but I had really wanted to understand more deeply his views, his work and involvement in the military and government. For example we know Ferdinand had plans for a federal Austro-Hungarian empire based on the USA's model that he had seen as a young man - not something the emperor was ever likely to mandate. He knew well the current model was broken and could not be sustained without far reaching change. He also had no wish for war with Russia and was keen to build further relations with states such as Rumania, and he was on good personal terms with the Kaiser, George V and many other heads of state. More depth and discussion on his thoughts and his work here would have lifted this very good book to a full 5 stars.

The authors' description of the events - including Ferdinand's nervousness at visiting Sarajevo and the dreadfully inept security planning - leading up to and the assassination itself is also very well done. As in the broader book these events are built out through diaries, and first-person quotes from interviews, papers and formal enquiries. The atmosphere builds and I willed the archduke to make his team change course or remain at the hotel so Sophie and he would live - I liked them it is true - but of course it wasn't going to happen.

Near the end of the book the lives of the family after the assassination is also well done, and tragedy continues with incarceration in Nazi concentration camps, forced military service, loss of property and belongings and Russian prisoner of war camps all loom large.

One of the lessons for me from this book is that the Archduke was an intelligent and far more astute man than his dinosaur of an uncle. His wife was not the scheming or power grabbing tyrant portrayed by the archduke's people and cultivated by his media and indeed something I have read in other books over the years.

Had he not been assassinated history may have been different.
As a study of how the Great War started I would recommend reading this book alongside more political and wider ranging books on the events leading up to the start of the war. As a royal love story it is a gem and one I highly recommend.

Franz Ferdinand has to some extent been pictured as a buffoon and minor royal by history. Yet he had the sense to not want war and perhaps the connections and influence to stop conflict.
He was quoted as saying “What would be the point of fighting Russia? Not even Napoleon could succeed. And if we beat Russia, which to my mind is totally out of the question, a victory like that would still be the greatest tragedy for the Austrian monarchy”. At a dinner he said “To peace! What would we have had from a war with Serbia? We’d lose the lives of young men and we’d spend money better spent elsewhere. And what for heaven’s sake, would we gain? Some plum trees and goat pastures full of shit, and a bunch of rebellious killers”.

4.5 stars.

[آرزو مقدس · Rating 4 out of 5]

I MISSED reading random histories with zero method to the madness.
یکی از سوال‌هایی که همیشه داشتم اینکه چرا می‌گن ترور یه آرشیدوک نسبتاً بی‌اهمیت باعث ج‌ج‌۱ شد؟ وارث هابسبورگ دقیقاً کجاش بی‌اهمیته حتی اگه ولیعهد نبوده باشه؟
ورژن فور دامیز قضیه اینه که جهان در سلطه‌ی یک مشت پت و مت بوده: اینجا بیشتر می‌گه این خانواده به هزار دلیل منفور بودن و امپراطور هم ازشون بدش میومده. غیر از سیاست‌های فرانتز فردیناند که هیچ بنی‌بشری درون و بیرون دربار طرفدارشون نبوده و خود مورخ‌ها هم سرشون توافق ندارن، یه دلیل خاله‌زنکی‌ش اینکه عوض اینکه زن هم‌پایه‌ش بگیره رفته یه کنتس خشک‌وخالی گرفته. [تا جایی که شاه ایران (سال ۱۹۰۰ کی بوده؟) میاد دربارشون شب ضیافت زن وارث رو می‌ندازن ته صف ورود به تالار، بعد زنه هنوز از در رد نشده، در رو می‌بندن می‌ذارنش لای در. تحقیر زنه بعد از مرگش هم ادامه داشته تا جایی که تشییع نمی‌گیرن مبادا بیشتر از لیاقت و جایگاهش بهش بها داده بشه.]
بعد از ترور، اتریش می‌گه قاتل رو تحویل بدین، صربستان می‌گه نمی‌دیم، اتریش لشکر می‌کشه صربستان. (این‌تو نمی‌گه ولی روسیه و عثمانی داشته‌ن تو بالکان می‌جنگیدن، ویلهلم دوم از معاهده‌های روس و انگلیس و دانمارک ناراحت بوده، تو خود اتریشم شورش بوده و خلاصه یهویی همه می‌پرن به هم؛ بقیه‌ی دلیل‌هاشم سیاسیه و طبیعتاً من بلد نیستم.)
So that's that in a nutshell.
ماجرای خود ترور بسیار احمقانه و جذابه: ظاهراً صرب‌ها یه روز ملی داشتن که طی اون روز آدم خارجی، علی‌الخصوص اتریش-مجارستانی‌جماعت می‌دیدن، طرف خونش پای خودش بوده. دولتشون اینا رو واسه همون تعطیلی دعوت می‌کنه، اینا می‌گن امن نیست، دولت صرب می‌گه هست. از یه ماه قبل، تروریست‌های صرب تو روزنامه‌هاشون عیناً این جمله رو می‌نویسن: "وارث هابسبورگ بیاد، قدمش روی چشم، مسیرش رو با تیر و تیغ و دشنه فرش می‌کنیم." والی سارایوو می‌گه شوخی می‌کنن، بیاین، امنه. می‌آن. روز اول بمب دستی می‌ندازن سمت ماشینشون. باز طرف می‌گه فردا هم همون مسیرو با ماشین می‌ریم بابا هیچی نمی‌شه. :))) بعد نه تنها می‌رن، بلکه راننده‌شون می‌پیچه تو خیابون اشتباه، دنده عقب می‌گیره سر تقاطع وایمیسته جلو پای پرنسیپ فوقع ماوقع.

این رو هم نمی‌دونستم که چی می‌شه فرانتز فردیناند وارث می‌شه و این بخشش برخلاف بقیه‌ی قصه‌ی تحقیر و اردوگاه کار نازیا و ارتش "رهایی‌بخش" کمونیستا، واااقعاً مفرح بود: ولیعهد اصلی با معشوقه‌ش که بازیگر و ظاهراً خیلی شخصیت دراماتیکی بوده، قرار خودکشی می‌ذارن و عملی‌ش می‌کنن.
تنها بخشی که بدم اومد، موخره بود که اومد کشوند به جنگ دهه نود صربستان و محاصره و نسل‌کشی اون دوره و در لفافه گفت کلا صرب‌ها وحشی و قاتلن.
هیچ ملتی "کلاً" دچار هیچ ویژگی خاصی نیست.

پ.ن: اینکه پسر فرانتز فردیناند از داخائو آزاد می‌شه، سربازا با یه‌لا لباس می‌ندازنش تو قطار وین، میاد می‌رسه اونجا از باربر ایستگاه پول بلیت قطار بعدی‌شو می‌گیره که بره برسه به "قصرش در ساحل دانوب" سومین قسمت مورد علاقه‌م بود؛ بعد از اصل ترور و قرار خودکشی.

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this on vacation.
I don't generally care for Greg King's views on history but I quite enjoyed this one.
The sexism was toned down.
I read a few books while out of town and this is one of them.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an entertaining enough evocation of the last days of imperial Austria, but the authors' take on the complex political and international situation was absurdly simplistic when not altogether incorrect and their obvious biases were not suffiently supported and admitted no shades of gray. It's not enough to claim that Franz Ferdinand was a great guy who was tragically misunderstood, even if his servants did love him (space for eye roll). Their cause would in fact have been better served if they examined and admitted evidence to the contrary.

Similarly, in regard to the big picture, their laughably revisionist take on situations needed much more support if they wanted to convince anyone. I was startled indeed to learn that the Kaiser counseled against a European war and that it was all Franz Josef's fault. But Franz Josef was a bad guy, y'know, while the Kaiser was on good terms with St. Franz Ferdinand and St. Sophie.

The final insult for this small "r" republican was the authors' taking up cudgels in favor of the current crop of great-grandchildren of the tragic couple and their attempt to regain the long-lost castle in the Czech republic which was taken over by the new Czech government in the early 20s. Ask me how much I care that people who still swan around calling themselves "princess" and have never known privation don't own a castle lost to their forebears a century ago. At every step of te judicial process up to and including the European court, they've lost. And yet that's been a series of wrong decisions, apparently. In any case, in the context of the incredible human tragedy of the 20th century in central Europe, the authors' overwhelming sympathy and support for this lost cause come across as misplaced at best and outrageously offensive on the face of it.

Two stars is generous.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Next year will see the 100th anniversary of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie, in Sarajevo. It was an event which changed history - without their assassination this book asks, would there have been WWI, the Russian Revolution or, later, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union? History reverberates with the effects of this couple's deaths; but what is actually known of them? In this extremely readable history book, authors Greg King and Sue Woolmans looks at a love affair which was resisted and resented by many. They tell the story of the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, who wed his beloved Sophie against massive resistance, and give the human background to a political story.

Franz Ferdinand became the heir of Franz Josef I, Emperor of Austria, on the suicide of the Emperor's son, Rudolf; followed shortly by the death of his own father from typhoid. Franz Josef never seemed to accept Franz Ferdinand as his heir presumptive and their difficulties were increased by a romance which would "rock the very foundations of the Hapsburg monarch," when Franz Ferdinand fell deeply in love with Sophie Chotek, lady in waiting to Princess Isabella of Croy. Sophie was beautiful, intelligent and vivacious, but she was not considered equal to the heir of the Hapsburg throne. Princess Isabella had invited Franz Ferdinand to her home with the intent of marrying the most eligible bachelor to her eldest daughter, and was enraged when she realised that he had fallen for Sophie - when she discovered he had left his pocket watch behind, she opened it and found her picture inside. The insult was never forgiven and Princess Isabella became the "wicked stepmother" of the `Cinderella" story of their romance.

In this book we read of how Franz Ferdinand fought to be allowed to marry Sophie - how she was threatened, insulted and humiliated. Their marriage was morganatic, which meant any children they had would be barred from the succession. Permission for even this marriage was given unwillingly - Sophie was resented and suffered many petty humiliations. Both during, and after, their lifetime, there were many rumours about the couple. Suggestions that Sophie was desperate for power, or that Franz Ferdinand and Kaiser Wilhelm planned to carve up the European continent between them, so that Franz Ferdinand's sons would become kings in their own right, abounded. The humiliations heaped on Sophie (such as banging a door in her face as she approached a ballroom), led to the couple avoiding the season in Vienna and their distance led to more speculation about their behaviour and motives. It is notable, though, that as it seemed likely Franz Ferdinand would replace an ageing Franz Josef, attitudes softened. Certainly, Kaiser Wilhelm and the British royal family, were amongst those who were willing to accept Sophie and receive Franz Ferdinand's gratitude.

It is fascinating to read about the trip to Sarajevo which resulted in the couple's assassination. Why did they visit on St Vitus's Day, a Serb national holiday, marking the 1389 battle of Kosova, when "every Serb vowed revenge" against foreign intruders? Why visit such a volatile situation and hostile place at such a time? Again, why was the security so insufficient? The book takes us through that day and the aftermath. Even after the murders, more petty humiliation was poured onto Sophie; causing widespread indignation at the disrespect shown to her.

We then read of the outbreak of war and its aftermath; leaving Europe changed forever, with the Romanov and Hapsburg dynasty swept away and Kaiser Wilhelm in exile. It also follows what happened to the children of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie - little Sophie, Max and Ernst - including more tragedy in the second world war. This, then, is the personal story of a devoted couple, of how their assassination led to a changed Europe and the impact of those events nearly one hundred years ago. It is interesting to note, though, that even in this book, Sophie is not mentioned in the title - "the assassination of the Archduke" ignores the fact that, despite the very real threat of assassination, Sophie refused to leave his side and was killed alongside him. It is a little sad to see her side lined even in this fact, although I suspect she would have understood. However, this is a very readable account of events and a sympathetic portrait of a couple who were devoted to each other.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this, I want to travel back in time and smack people. What is done in this book is great. The loss of a couple, of a devoted couple, is highlighted, not as a spark that set off a war, but as a family loss. That gets over looked when talking about this killing.

You also feel so sorry for Sophie who it seems was a real lady in the true sense of that word.

Wonderful.

[Connie G · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Much of Europe viewed the scattered Balkan provinces, states, and principalities as something of a perpetual menace. 'Some damn foolish thing in the Balkans,' German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck predicted, would sooner or later plunge all of Europe into a general war." On June 28, 1914, the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, and his wife Sophie were assassinated by a Serbian terrorist in Sarajevo. This was the spark that set off a conflict between Austria and Serbia, drawing in the major countries of Europe due to their alliances, resulting in World War I.

This biography centers on the relationships between Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his family, especially Sophie. The reactionary Emperor of Austria-Hungary, Franz Josef, was not happy to have his nephew, Franz Ferdinand, as his heir. Franz Ferdinand was conservative, arrogant, and militaristic, but he wanted to reform the Austrian Empire by having the numerous states under federal control, similar to the system in the United States. But it was doubtful if the Hungarians would give up any power and agree to that plan. The archduke also did not have the personality of a popular leader, and looked down on the Hungarians and Slavs.

Emperor Franz Josef was even more upset when Franz Ferdinand chose Sophie Chotek as his wife. Sophie came from an aristocratic Bohemian family, but she was not a Habsburg or from one of the reigning European families. She was serving as a lady-in-waiting to a Habsburg archduchess. Eventually they were allowed to marry if Franz Ferdinand agreed to a morganatic marriage, where the archduke's titles and privileges would not pass on to his wife and children since they were of unequal rank. Sophie was made Princess (later Duchess) of Hohenberg, but was treated in a humiliating manner by the court because of her unequal status. Her serene disposition helped her to behave with grace and dignity.

The archduke and his beautiful wife were a romantic, loving couple, and affectionate parents to their three children. King George V and Queen Mary of Great Britain, and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany arranged several private meetings with the couple. The archduke enjoyed their friendships and appreciated their kind treatment of his wife.

The book has quite a bit of detail about the events leading up to that fateful day in Sarajevo. "June 28 was St Vitus's Day, or Vitovdan...the Serb national holiday marking the 1389 battle of Kosovo, when the Turkish army had reduced Serbia to vassals of the Ottoman Empire. It was a day on which every Serb vowed revenge against unwelcome foreign intruders, when every Serb nationalist would fight for Greater Serbia." The book raised the question of whether the Austrians played a role in setting up the archduke without adequate security. We'll never know the answer, but it could have been an opportunity to get rid of an unpopular heir to the throne.

The authors wrote a very readable biography of the archduke. They had access to unpublished letters provided by the archduke's grandchildren. The archduke's personal life as a husband and father is presented in a very favorable light. The book also chronicles the difficult lives of the children after their parents' deaths. Quite a bit of history is incorporated into the book, especially about Austria. But more scholarly books should be read by anyone wanting a more complete picture of the conflicts brewing, leading up to World War I.
3 1/2 stars, rounding up to 4 stars.

[Erin (Historical Fiction Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....

The final years of Hapsburg Monarchy were marked by tragedy. The execution of Maximilian I, the premature death of Archduchess Sophie, the suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf and the murder of Empress Elisabeth took a heavy toll on the family, but these events pale in comparison to the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie Chotek, Duchess of Hohenberg in Sarajevo on June 28, 1914.

Sifting through decades of rumor and speculation Greg King and Sue Woolmans carefully detail the political and private lives of the couple whose killing would catapult the globe into the throws of WWI. Through a simultaneous examination of Vienna's bureaucratic circus and the fairy tale romance that played out against it, The Assassination of the Archduke paints an intimate portrait of this well-known, though largely enigmatic pair of royals.

I honestly have nothing but admiration for this this title. I consumed the it in less than forty-eight hours and even now, two days later am still utterly captivated. The bare bones of the story were of course familiar, but the insight into Franz Ferdinand's personality, his values, influences and political agenda is unrivaled by any text currently available. Choosing to look beyond the political position that was their death warrant, King and Woolmans humanize the Archduke and his wife and in so doing bring truly unique perspective to their woeful demise and the repercussions suffered by their descendants long after their deaths.

This kind of in depth historical nonfiction doesn't come along every day. Challenging long held perceptions, King and Woolmans back their thesis with a wealth of information from family members and rare primary sources, shedding new light on the couple, their marriage and event that immortalized their names in the annals of world history.

[Ann Sloan · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do we know about World War I, much less about how it started? I remembered from some long ago history class that somebody got shot in Sarajevo, all the European countries were bound by alliances and had to fight each other, and the Tsar and his family were shot. Maybe I got some of that last from Dr. Zhivago (what a movie!).

However, like most of history, the situation was much more complicated than that and – surprise – people, real people, were involved. In this case, two people were assassinated by Serbian terrorists. Two people who loved each other deeply and had defied the very imposing, very petty, and very obsolete Franz Joseph, Emperor of Austria, Apostolic King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, King of Croatia, King of Galicia and Lodomeria and Grand Duke of Cracow, by marrying. It was a morganatic marriage, a marriage between people of unequal social rank, which prevents the passage of the husband's titles and privileges to the wife and any children born of the marriage. Probably the most famous example in modern times, the marriage took place in 1900 marriage when the heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, Archduke Franz Ferdinand, wed Bohemian aristocrat Countess Sophie Chotek von Chotkowa. The marriage was initially resisted by Emperor Franz Joseph I, but after pressure from family members and other European rulers, he relented in 1899 (but did not attend the wedding himself). The bride was made Princess (later Duchess) of Hohenberg, their children took their mother's new name and rank, and were excluded from the imperial succession.

The Hapsburgs, once one of the most powerful families in Europe, were in decline by the end of the 19th century. Inbreeding, separation of branches of the family, and disunity among countries all contributed to the “Twilight of the Habsburgs” (title of a biograph of Franz Joseph by Alan Palmer). The last Habsburg, Otto von Habsburg, died in 2011. At age 98, von Habsburg brought to a close 640 years of European history.

Sophie was treated as though she was invisible by the Hapsburgs and was omitted from most royal events. Deeply religious (Catholic), she seems to have been able to forgive this and find comfort and love with her husband and three children. Franz Ferdinand and Sophie profoundly loved each other and their children.

Franz Ferdinand was the Emperor’s nephew and would not have been heir to the throne if it had not been for the scandalous murder/suicide of Franz Joseph’s son, Rudolf, at Mayerling in 1889. According to official reports their deaths were a result of Franz Joseph's demand that the couple end the relationship: the Crown Prince, as part of a suicide pact, first shot his mistress in the head and then himself. Rudolf was officially declared to have been in a state of "mental unbalance" in order to enable Christian burial in the Imperial Crypt (Kapuzinergruft) of the Capuchin Church in Vienna. Mary's body was smuggled out of Mayerling in the middle of the night and secretly buried in the village cemetery at Heiligenkreuz. Whether this is what actually happened is still unsettled 124 years after the event.

The continuing theme in this book is that Franz Ferdinand was misunderstood; the foreword was written by the Archduke’s great-granddaughter who quotes the Archduke’s daughter explaining why she answers questions posted by journalists: “But I must defend him,” “him” being her father. He was not a personable man and was reclusive to a great degree. Some of this can be explained by the treatment given his wife, Sophie. He preferred to be with her than attending official events to which she was barred. On the other hand Franz Ferdinand was a great friend of Kaiser Wilhelm of Germany and had an excellent relationship with King George V.

Why did the Archduke and his wife go to Sarajevo? Why was there so little military or police protection for them? Oskar Potiorek, an officer of the Austro-Hungarian Army, who served as Governor of Bosnia and Herzegovina, was responsible for Franz Ferdinand and Sophie’s stay in Sarajevo. He was clearly negligent in providing adequate protection for the royal visitors. He rejected numerous recommendations for providing safety for the two. Was this incompetence or part of the conspiracy to assassinate the couple? These are questions that perplex historians 100 years after the fact.

Franz Joseph was completely uninterested in the deaths. He gave every impression of pleasure at the death of his nephew and heir. However, as the Emperor of Austria-Hungary he had to do something. Austria-Hungary, like many in countries around the world, blamed the Serbian government for the attack and hoped to use the incident as justification for settling the question of Slav nationalism once and for all. As Russia supported Serbia, an Austro-Hungarian declaration of war was delayed until its leaders received assurances from German leader Kaiser Wilhelm that Germany would support their cause in the event of a Russian intervention–which would likely involve Russia's ally, France, and possibly Britain as well. On July 28, Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, and the tenuous peace between Europe's great powers collapsed. Within a week, Russia, Belgium, France, Great Britain and Serbia had lined up against Austria-Hungary and Germany, and World War I had begun.

Franz Ferdinand and Sophie’s children suffered greatly after their parents’ death. Unrecognized by the Hapsburgs, they were shuffled among Sophie’s family, never knowing stability. When Hitler came to power, the sons were sent to Dachau where they almost died. Their lives after World War II saw more loss.

The causes and consequences of World War I remain with us today. For example, the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and its divisions by the European nations are with us even now in Syria, Iraq, Iran, and the other countries of the Middle East. This is history that we need to know. I recommend this book as one element of the history of the 20th and 21st centuries.

[Jerome Otte · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written, detailed and engaging look at the Archduke and his family.

The narrative is clear, insightful and readable.King provides an intimate look at Ferdinand’s marriage to Sophie and how heavily the imperial establishment ostracized them for it. The book also does a fine job humanizing the couple.

The book does not, however, fully explain how the assassination contributed to the tensions that drew the powers into a world war. Some more coverage of the era’s politics and Ferdinand’s role in the empire’s internal politics would have helped.

A vivid, well-organized and well-researched work.

[Ghost of the Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well this was a surprise and a revelation!

Very well researched, with great access to the archduke´s family, I for one very much enjoyed reading it...even if at times I could barely restrain myself from feeling mad at the horrendous amount of mistakes made that lead to that visit to Sarajevo, and the killing of the archduke and his wife.

It was also very eye opening and refreshing to read more about a man whom I always found so very intimidating in pictures - about his love of his family, his sense of duty, his determination to be happy and have his choice of wife by his side....totally blew me away!
Especially realizing everything their children went through after their parents died...omg....

Franz Ferdinand will never be, I risk saying, a consensual character, the web of counter information weaved when he became heir and, especially, when he "insulted" the family by marrying beneath his rank, has shaped opinions and discussions to this day, making it very hard for anyone to defend him and his choice - and also because let's face it, he wasn't an easy man.
However this book succeeds in being an eye opener and showing the other side of the story, perhaps allowing a new generation to "meet" the man for the first time, and make up their own minds about him.

This is a must for anyone interested in this period in European history, in the Hapsburg empire and of course in WWI.

It's not a happy reading but I firmly believe it's a necessary one.
(edits made because I really need to proof read more often before publishing these reviews!)

[Robert Cruthirds · Rating 4 out of 5]

An updated account of perhaps the most famous assassination in history. Based on new primary sources as well as interviews with some of the Archduke's descendants.

This book exposes the background leading up to the assassination, including court intrigues in Vienna, personal vendettas, and the precarious position of the Austro-Hungarian empire at the outset of the 20th century.

Franz Ferdinand was heir to the throne but was not a favorite of his uncle, Emporer Franz Joseph. Their relationship became more contentious after Franz Ferdinand decided to marry his love Sophie whose Bohemian nobility was a notch or two below the requirements of the Habsburg monarchy.

Thus it was a so-called "morganite" marriage between unequals so their children could not inherit the throne, among other indignities that Sophie endured. The fateful trip to Sarajevo was opposed by the Archduke and many others who were aware of rumors in Serbia concerning a possible assassination attempt.
But the Emporer insisted that he must go and by the end of the book one is left to wonder if there existed complicity in Vienna to deliberately place the Archduke in harm's way.

[Katherine Gypson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so excited to see this book pop up on Amazon and NetGalley. I'm familiar with Greg King through his excellent writing and exemplary research on the Romanovs and I was happy to see him move into a new area of early 20th century history that is rarely explored. In almost every novel and history, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his beloved wife Sophie appear for a few fleeting moments - a couple in Sarajevo eternally getting in a car for a fatal ride. Assassination restores their humanity and brings a devastating new perspective to the start of the Great War.

King makes an excellent point early in the book, noting that while many history buffs and historical fiction fans are enthralled by the relationship between the Archduke's contemporaries' Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra, it is actually Franz Ferdinand and Sophie who are the great love story of that time. They loved each other deeply and respectfully and built a loving relationship and family life before their tragic meeting with history. I knew that Sophie was the morganatic wife of the heir to the Austrian Empire but I had no idea of the abuse she suffered at the hands of the Austrian royal family or how hard she fought for the man she loved. It was refreshing to read about a 20th century royal family other than the English and the Russians - and the Austrians' dysfunction and scheming keep this lively narrative moving along.

Unfortunately, King and Woolmans worked on this book at a great disadvantage. Sophie and Franz Ferdinand's eldest son destroyed almost all of their diaries and letters to each other. Without this key information, Assassination lacks an in-depth level of detail that can be found in other books about late 19th century/early 20th century royalty. For example, it's not even known when and where Sophie and Franz Ferdinand first met. But as the book progresses closer and closer to that fateful day in Sarajevo, this becomes less and less of a problem as the book advances in time and draws closer to the assassination.

I sped through this book in one day and would strongly urge readers to check it out. King is a brilliant writer whose research shows in every line even while he is reconstructing stories with an eye as keen as any novelist.
Disclaimer: I received an advance e-galley of this book from the publisher for review.

[Paul Pessolano · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Assassination of the Archduke” by Greg King and Sue Woolmans, published by St. Martin’s Press.

Category – History Publication Date – September 03, 2013

This book can be viewed on several levels. First, there is the history aspect of it and what is viewed as the start of World War I and every war thereafter. Second, it can be viewed as a study of the privileged aristocracy the decline of royalty. Third, it can be viewed as a tragic love story that overshadows the entire book.

I have to admit the tragic love story got the best of me. It is a Disney type fairy tale that was played out in real life. Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was the next in line to assume the throne. He was unmarried even though he was sought after by those who wanted to merge royal families. The Archduke found no one to his liking until he met Sophie Chotek. The only problem was she was royalty but not royalty enough to be married to the Archduke. The Archduke knowing that Sophie was his one true love (Yea, Archduke) partitioned his father the Emperor to allow the marriage. The Emperor reluctantly agreed but the Archduke had to agree that Sophie could never be the Queen and his offspring could have no claim to the throne. The Archduke agreed (Double Yea for the Archduke). The book goes on to tell how Sophie was despised and shunned by the royal court and how she rose above their pettiness and deported herself in the manner of a Queen.

The real history lies in the Archduke’s fatal trip to Sarajevo and his assassination. Sophia was also murdered with the Archduke when she would not leave his side. The book goes on to tell the fate of their children, some of whom were incarcerated by the Germans in Concentration Camps and how what heritage they were entitled to was stolen from them by governments.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderfully written work of nonfiction is a treasure! Not many people know the depth of Franz Ferdinand, his family and his love story. I had always heard of the characters presented in this book, but I never related them to eachother or to such a sweeping romance which makes it all the more heartbreaking.
Greg King and Sue Woolmans has done an amazing job doing research and interviewing close relatives for this amazing story. One of the reasons I got excited about this book is because it has atleast twenty pages of content explaining the family ties and the research process that went into the book before you even get into the story. Also, the forward is written by HSH Princess Sophie of Hohenberg which authenticates the facts and reasearch that went into this book.
Supported by direct quotes and a wide knowledge of the family, this amazing novel delves into a history that few know of. It paints a picture of a misunderstood man, his family and their struggle. The fact that the events described within quite possibly lead to WWI makes this story even more intriguing and worth a read. You dont have to be a history buff to enjoy this book and I encourage everyone to read it. Whenever you hear of "Franz Ferdinand and Sophie", youll have a greater appreciation and understanding of what true romance and sacrifice really is.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

closer to 4.5, maybe even a full 5. A heartbreaking look into the Archduke's family - from the very beginning they were fighting a losing battle but they did so out of love. This couple loved each other so much they gave up titles/inheritances, were completely ostracized from the Hapsburg family. After the assassination left the children orphaned, their beloved home was taken away, their belongings were deemed not their property, they were even exiled from their country and, in WWII, the two sons were sent to concentration camps. A beautifully researched book with a heart-wrenching look into this family.

[Emma Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic history on Franz Ferdinand and his family. Very engaging read.

[Kelly-Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

While we all know that the assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie was the spark that ignited the first world war, most of us don't know much about these two figures. Or at least I didn't. How I've always imagined them is based on that famous photo of them - middle-aged, and with the archduke all portly and with the feathered hat on his head - coming down the stairs to their waiting open-top car, a photo taken just minutes before they were gunned down by Serbian terrorist Gavrilo Princip. So yes, this is is a fascinating subject set in a fascinating time of great change and horrific events, and while I enjoyed it and learned a lot, I do have a couple of critiques:

1) While of course their assassination on June 28, 1914 in Sarajevo is covered, I feel this book is misnamed. It is more of a biography of Franz Ferdinand and his morganatic (which means in this context: not Habsburg-approved) wife Sophie than it is a book about their assassination. The details of the assassination are actually rushed over! Elements from that day that you can read even on Wikipedia are not even covered here. I'm glad it was about their lives, and not just the details of the assassination, the assassination plot, the conspiracy theories, etc., but it shouldn't be named that.

2) I perceived at times a whiff of hagiography to this book. I appreciate that the authors interviewed the descendants of Franz Ferdinand and Sophie to get the family stories and the inside look into who they were, and I'm sure that much of it (maybe even all of it) is true. But the way the authors painted the story did seem a bit idealized at times. I recognize though that the couple was targeted after their deaths and often made into villains, and that a book like this offered an opportunity for the family to get their side of the story out. So the reader can read this along with the other books about them and reach their own conclusions. I feel on the whole that this is therefore an important addition for anyone who wants to learn more about them and how their murders played a role in shaping the history of the twentieth century.

The assassination itself raises so many questions. Just who all was involved in the conspiracy? Why on earth was the security so lax and why were precautions ignored? Why had the police not rounded up the known terrorists that day, which was a common practice? Why did they not cancel the other stops after the first assassination attempt was made earlier in the morning? To make matters worse, why on earth did they keep to the same route? And, not for nothing, even Emperor Franz Josef was almost indifferent to their assassination and he and many in Austrian court had contempt for Franz Ferdinand. Of course with hindsight being 20/20 it's easy to assume the worst of people's motives, but seriously, even basic security measures which were commonly taken at the time were ignored. Another layer to this was the timing of the visit. The couple was inexplicably sent to Sarajevo on - of all days - the Serbian national holiday of St. Vitas' Day, a day when the known terrorists at the time were at their most likely to take action against their perceived oppressors, Austria-Hungary. All in all the factors that led to the couple being sitting ducks that day were a result of an inexcusable level of incompetence, or those with the responsibilty to protect the archduke wanted to set them up as sitting ducks (knowing that the Serbian terrorists would take it from there). These are mysteries, that, over a hundred years later now, will likely never be fully solved.

As I mentioned earlier, mostly all we know about these two is that they were murdered on that fateful day in Sarajevo in June, 1914. It's a shame that that event defines them, since of course there was so much more to their stories than what happened the day they were killed. That's what this book offers us and I'm glad to have read it.

I listened to this on audiobook and the narrator did a great job and could even launch into all of the German names and titles with convincing pronunciation.

[Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the personal story behind the political story of the assassination that triggered World War I.

The authors begin with the different lives of the young Franz and Sophie. Sophie’s story is more interesting than the stultifying story of the tutors and discipline Franz suffered. One unique thing for Franz was the world tour he designed for himself. Sophie’s upbringing in various diplomatic posts should have been considered perfect training for an emperor’s wife, but the monarchy was not at all a meritocracy.

Franz Ferdinand was never accepted by his Hapsburg uncle, the Emperor, Franz Joseph, who preferred his wastrel brother (who died in a suicide pact with his mistress) for unspecified reasons. He disliked Franz Ferdinand even before his romance with the non-royal Sophie Chotek. Their marriage was a violation of royal tradition - fully unacceptable to the rank and protocol obsessed court. To marry Sophie, Franz had to “take on” his rigid authoritarian uncle the Emperor.

The nuptial arrangements and the protocol that followed reflect the pettiness of the royal system and infuriated Franz Ferdinand. Invitations, processions, seating, travel, clothing, place of residence, family holidays and more were restricted for one or both partners in this morganatic marriage. Children could not bear the family name.

The authors give a highly favorable view of Franz Ferdinand, Sophie and their married life and allude to a contradictory image of an unpopular prince. Not only were his uncle and the royal court disproving, it seems this feeling was widespread. Why? Was it a dynamic set in place, top-down, by his uncle? Was it Franz Ferdinand’s view of change for the Empire? Franz Ferdinand bought Konopiste for today’s equivalent of $60 million (p.101). This and the description of the life of the Hapsburg court suggest a society like France before its revolution. Was there dissatisfaction with the monarchy and, given the iron clad control of the Emperor, Franz became its symbol?

The assassination and its aftermath and the various theories of who was involved are fully described. The funeral provides evidence that his uncle, Franz Joseph, was glad to be rid of his nephew and his “common” wife. There is good follow up on the children in the aftermath of the assassination.

Franz Ferdinand’s story points to the weakness of the monarchical system. It was so involved in protocol that it could not see what was important. Franz Joseph had no insight into what this assassination meant for Austria and seemed not to care.

There is some speculation in different places in the book as to what might have happened had Franz Ferdinand taken the throne. It is hard to imagine that the court life described here could survive into the modern age. The British monarchy evolved, but the Hapsburg did not.

The genealogy chart needs some work. Starting with Franz Joseph, his brothers and descendants would have made the early chapters more readable. To have the last generations signified by more than only “I daughter, 3 sons” etc. would have helped make the last chapter more readable. The index is similarly weak.

I don’t know the literature well enough to know if new ground is broken, but I can recommend this for anyone interested in the personal story of Franz Ferdinand.

[Jan Chlapowski Söderlund · Rating 2 out of 5]

* * - the book was ok.

I eagerly picked up "The Assassination of the Archduke" by Sue Woolmans and Greg King, although I was unfortunately soon disappointed. The style is of a tabloid or pulp novel. Sensationalist and gossipy. There were myriads of quotations from letters or contemporary personal opinions - sometimes berating, sometimes lauding the Archduke or his wife. A little of this would have given more colour and life to the story, but the amount that was added became just cumbersome.

The facts and events I was already aware of from my other reading about this epoch, proved to be overly simplified to the point of inaccurateness. This careless handling of facts makes me question all other facts in this book. The authors did state in the preface they would "fill out the gaps of knowledge we have about the Archduke". But in my opinion, this was a bit over-the-top. How much is actually conjecture, speculation and embellishment in this book?

As a portrayal of the Archduke, I do indeed believe this books does him and his family good justice. It shows him as a human and strips away some of the historical distance. It is also a mildly interesting glimpse into Austro-Hungarian elite society (but nothing else of Austro-Hungarian society). Unfortunately, the authors managed to sideline the whole march of history in favour of the personal lives of Franz Ferdinand and his family. And they somehow also managed to put their lives out of historical context. In fact, I believe you can find a more factual and interesting description of the assassination itself in The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914.

In short, for dry and moth-eaten historically interested persons like me, this book was quite underwhelming. For more socially interested people who want a glimpse of the Archduke Franz Ferdinand himself without so much heavy "historying", this is a good place to start.

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greg King has become one of those writers that I buy automatically, and when his books land on my doorstep, I tend to move it to the top of the TBR pile. His works on European royalty are well-researched and well-written, with little details that humanize his subjects. This book was a real revelation to me -- his treatment of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria and his morganatic wife, Sophie Chotek, is spot on, and endlessly fascinating. Both of them have been vilified, treating them both as petty and trivial, but it was their public murder in Sarajevo in June 1914 that would be the spark that ignited Europe, plunging it into the horrors of World War One. Another strong point is that the authors have gone into what happened to their three children after their parent's death. All in all, this gets five stars from me, and a hearty recommendation.

For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/the_as...

[Tim · Rating 2 out of 5]

I hardly knew anything about Archduke Ferdinand and the Hapsburg Dynasty before I read this book. I enjoyed learning more about the personal and political world of 19th-century European royalty (new vocabulary: "morganatic marriage") and some background on WWI, but overall the book took on a strangely defensive and hagiographic tone that turned me off. In trying to defend the Franz and Sophie's reputation (which I was totally unaware of when I picked up the book), the authors create horrible villains and noble victims. There's very little nuance that one would expect from a historical work. By the end it started to feel like this was a book written by lawyers of the Archduke's estate trying to recover property lost over 80 years ago. I'm sorry if I don't get all teary-eyed because some royal orphans had to give up one of their castles after the revolution. A lot of kids lost a lot more during that time period.

[Bettie]

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an excellent book about both Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie.

As a morganatic wife, Sophie was treated abominably by the Habsburgs. She wasn't allowed to go to official functions, or when she was, she was forced to enter the dining room last and was seated far from her husband. She couldn't go to the theatre with him or ride in the same train carriage, etc etc etc. After she and the Archduke were assassinated, their children weren't even allowed to go to the funeral in Vienna. There was some loosening of these rest restrictions as time went on, but her position was never very good.

Emperor Franz Josef apparently never forgave her or his nephew for their "unequal" marriage and showed no real sorrow at their deaths. Apparently, when speaking of the assassination, he said, "For me, it's one great worry less."

However, Franz Ferdinand and Sophie had a very close and happy marriage and were, according to this book, very loving parents.

In spite of the title, the book was much more slanted toward "the romance that changed the world" than to the actual assassination.

As for the actual assassination, the book showed the lack of precautions taken by those in charge of the Sarajevo visit, as well as Franz Ferdinand's dread of the visit and his attempts to get out of going. Some conspiracy theories were described. While there's no real evidence that the Emperor knew about and/or condoned an assassination, it does seem that security was criminally lax. Why on earth was a visit by the Austrian heir to the throne planned on St. Vitus's Day, a Bosnian holiday devoted to the overthrow of foreign rulers? If there was no evil intent, there was certainly an unbelievable amount of incompetence in play.

The book also briefly covered the lives of the three children left behind. They lost their home right after the deaths of their parents and later, during the Nazi era, the two sons were sent to concentration camps.

A fascinating read!

[Zosi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little bit of a slog, but that might have just been because I read other books first. Very thorough; reads more like a family history than a history book, which of course it is. It really offers a glimpse into the life of a doomed family, rendered even sadder by how it ends.

[Ted Simpkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a chance meeting of The Arch Duke’s great, great grand daughter in Austria, I had to read more. This story was entirely unknown to me. It’s fascinating