John Van der Kiste Bücher

Im Sommer 1853 verliebt sich der damals 23-jährige Franz Josef, Kaiser von Österreich-Ungarn in seine Cousine Elisabeth und heiratet sie. Die Geschichte von der unglücklichen Kaiserin fasziniert die Menschen bis heute, und der Mythos Sisi prägt unser Bild von diesem Herrscher ebenso sehr, wie seine glücklose Politik, an deren Ende der Ausbruch des ersten Weltkriegs stand. Doch war war der Mensch Franz Josef? John van der Kiste zeichnet das Porträt eines Monarchen, der die tragischen Verluste seines Lebens mit stoischer Ruhe zu ertragen versuchte.

A study of relations between Britain and Austria as seen through personal and political connections between the families of Queen Victoria and Emperor Francis Joseph

What was childhood like for the princes and princesses in the Victorian and Edwardian period? Here their education, recreation and general upbringing is discussed, from Queen Victoria's isolated and lonely childhood, to the children of King George V and Queen Mary. We see glimpses of Prince Waldemar of Prussia, who enjoyed collecting fossils on the Isle of Wight and terrifying his grandmother with a pet crocodile; Prince Christian Victor of Schleswig-Holstein, who was the first prince to attend public school despite enjoying cricket much more than education; and Prince Louis of Battenberg, who introduced the 'Katuf' into his family, and recorded his voice on a wax cylinder. Contrasts are drawn between childhood at the English court and that of the Queen's decendants at European capitals, as well as the differing attitudes of royal parents. For example, Queen Victoria found babies to be "very froglike", whereas Queen Alexandra still gave children's parties to her children when they were adults.

This book explores key aspects of Queen Victoria's life through her roles with mentors, family, ministers, and servants. It highlights her close relationship with Albert and the tumultuous dynamics with her sons, as well as her favoritism towards Disraeli and aversion to Gladstone.

This biography of Xenia, sister of Nicholas II gives a new angle on the Romanov story and provides new information on relationships within the family after the Revolution. Important new letters and photographs are also included.

John Van der Kiste has made a particular study of British and European royalty. His previous books include William and Mary, Dearest Vicky, Darling Fritz, Kaiser Wilhelm II, The Romanovs, Once a Grand Duchess (with Coryne Hall) and Childhood at Court 1819-1914. He lives in Devon. --Book Jacket.

This book examines the downfall of James II, how the monarch came to forfeit the goodwill of the nation within three years.

Recounts the lives of the four women who married into the Victorian royal family: Alexandra of Denmark, Grand Duchess Marie of Russia, Louise of Prussia and Helen of Waldeck-Pyrmont.

This new book portrays the life and character of Good King Billy', one of Britain's most endearing sovereigns and down-to-earth Hanoverians.

John Van der Kiste's book takes in the principal monarchies of Scandinavia going back to the beginning of the 19th century. He uses unpublished sources and photographs to show how they relate to modern European history. The book also considers the political backgrounds to the monarchs' reigns; as well as examining the suspected pro-German leanings of Gustav V, the author describes the dissolution of the union between Norway and Sweden in 1905, which eventually led to the election of Christian IX's grandson as Haakon VII.