This is a revised and updated edition of a highly acclaimed history of the early modern Habsburg monarchy. Charles W. Ingrao challenges the conventional notion of Habsburg state and society as peculiarly backward by tracing its emergence as a military and cultural power of enormous influence. The Habsburg monarchy was undeniably different from other European polities: geography and linguistic diversity made this inevitable, but by 1789 it had laid the groundwork for a single polity capable of transcending its uniquely diverse cultural and historic heritage. Charles W. Ingrao unravels the web of social, political, economic and cultural factors that shaped the Habsburg monarchy during the period, and presents this complex story in a manner that is both authoritative and accessible to non-specialists. This edition includes a revised text and bibliographies, new genealogical tables, and an epilogue which looks forward to the impact of the Habsburg monarchy on twentieth-century events.

‘To be welcomed as a brisk and clear account of this mighty element in the history and culture of Europe … a concise and highly readable account …’.

Source: The Times Higher Education Supplement

‘… a well written and incisive history providing both a good introduction for those new to the subject and yet full of ideas for those who have thought about Austria for many years. … nicely balanced between foreign affairs and domestic problems and achievements … for anyone interested in the origins of the events that are shaking Europe today, this excellent history can be highly recommended.’

Source: Contemporary Review

‘Throughout this is an arresting work, interesting, provocative, reflecting a sound balance of knowledge between the German and non-German lands, open to cultural developments, and aware of the importance of economic trends. Ingrao provides at once the best short accounts of the reigns of Leopold I, Charles VI and Maria Theresa. His book will be of great value to those teaching and studying the period … ’.

Jeremy Black Source: Teaching History

‘... Ingrao’s opus will remain the standard reference for students and general readers alike, and not only within the English-speaking world.’

Michael Hochedlinger Source: Austrian History Yearbook

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review

‘Elegant and concise, yet stimulating and provocative, this is a volume well placed not only to challenge the conventional preconceptions of undergraduates but the comfortable insularities of more senior scholars as well.’

Franz A. J. Szabo Source: American Historical Review