This was a good read. No bombshells were dropped, but it was an engaging telling of the tale. I have a particular interest in Europe's spiral to destruction in the First World War and the Austro-Hungarian story is critical to the larger tale. The royal couple are a sad story and Elisabeth gives the impression of potential wasted. Worthwhile reading for a history fan, or a casual reader. ( )

3940. The Eagles Die: Franz Joseph, Elisabeth, and Their Austria, by George R. Marek (read 28 Sept 2004) This is a 1974 book by an American (who was born in Austria) on a topic which has intrigued me ever since I read on June 24, 1945, Bertita Harding's Golden Fleece: The Story of Franz Joseph & Elizabeth of Austria. I have read such books as The Mayerling Murder, by Victor Wolfson (on Sept 18, 1971), The Secret of Sarajevo, by Hertha Pauli (on 19 Sept 1971), The Road to Mayerling, by Richard Barkelay (on 21 July 1973, and The Lonely Empress, by Joan Haslip (on 5 Mar 1983) . Despite all that reading I found this book full of fascination, though the author is but an amateur historian in areas other than music. Marek is convinced that Rudolph killed his companion and then himself, and he assigns Franz Joseph more responsibility for Austria's stupid actions in July 1914 than do some others. ( )

While the scholarship is not profound, the book is enjoyable to anyone who is interested in the twilight years of the Hapsburgs. The drama and romance are rich; Marek makes the most of these without becoming syrupy. ( )