The eagles die: Franz Joseph, Elisabeth, and their Austria

Not only does this book give good account of the lives of the Emperor and Empress, but it covers the scene in Vienna from 1848 till after 1916 with a sure touch, the author being a native of Austria and of course one who ordinarily wrote about music and musicians--which subjects are not omitted from this book, even though Franz Joseph had no interest in music. The author gives his views on the relationship between the principals and others assumed to be romantically connected with them, and his opinions seem solidly based on what can be known. The same is true in his discussion of the Mayerling tragedy. There are footnotes, though not excessive in amount, and the bibliography though now dated is ample. Illustrations add to the worth of the book and an appendix listing main events of each year from 1848 to 1916 I found helpful. Recommended.