The Swan King: Ludwig II of Bavaria [Paperback]

Christopher McIntosh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1860648924 | ISBN-13: 978-1860648922 | Publication Date: June 14, 2003 | Edition: Revised

This is the biography of one of the most enigmatic figures of the 19th century, described by Verlaine as "the only true king of his century". A man of wildly eccentric temperament and touched by a rare, imaginative genius, Ludwig II of Bavaria is remembered both for his patronage of Richard Wagner and for the fabulous palaces which he created as part of a dream world to escape the responsibilities of state. In realization of his fantasies, he created a ferment of creativity among artists and craftsmen, although his neglect of Bavaria's political interests made powerful enemies among those critical of his self-indulgence and excesses. At the age of 40, declared insane in a plot to depose him, Ludwig died in mysterious circumstances.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The story of Bavaria's mad king still fascinates...."--Contemporary Review, August 2003
"An intriguing portrait of the bizarre ruler who achieved fame for his patronage of the even more regal Wagner, and the creation of ‘fantasies in stone.'" --The Independent
"A Lively and captivating book...leaves one at the end instructed, amused and very sympathetic towards this extraordinary Swan King." --The London Miscellany

Book Description

Accessible, yet thoroughly researched, this biography presents the story of Ludwig II of Bavaria. Ludwig is best remembered for his patronage of Wagner and for fantasy-like palaces which he created. The Swan King presents new conclusions on the more uncertain aspects of Ludwig II's life including his homosexuality, his supposed madness, and the mystery of his death.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: Tauris Parke Paperbacks; Revised edition (June 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1860648924
• ISBN-13: 978-1860648922
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #265,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Swan King: Lugwig II of Bavaria, May 25, 2007

By 

Caroline A. Orzes "bookworm" (USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Swan King: Ludwig II of Bavaria (Paperback)

The book is a result of extensive research so it's packed with information and, unlike many histories, this one reads like a novel. I not only learned what Ludwig contributed to Bavaria, but felt I knew him as a person.It's a well-written book on a fascinating topic. I plan to go to Munich Germany next year to see Ludwig's castles firsthand. My only complaint about this is with the publisher. The print is so small, older people, over 55, may have a problem reading it.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars History, not fiction., December 9, 2009

By 

The Professional Tourist "Sometimes tour guid... (Munich, Germany) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Swan King: Ludwig II of Bavaria (Paperback)

I've been a tour guide to Neuschwanstein for several years now and explained Ludwig II's life to hundreds of tourists each year. This is the book that I have found most useful in my tours. If you only read one book on King Ludwig II of Bavaria, this is it.

I've read many books on the subject (as explaining Ludwig II's life is my job), and this is the only one I recommend.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A detailed look at Ludwig II, September 19, 2008

By 

A. Kunack (Indianapolis, IN) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Swan King: Ludwig II of Bavaria (Paperback)

As the other reviewers have said, the print is regrettably small... which is a shame, because this is a very detailed, well-researched biography of a truly fascinating man.

I would heartily recommend this as a starting place for research on Ludwig. It evenly covers both his personal and private life with much detail-- perhaps a bit too much for a true beginner. Still, the writing style is easy to read, and each chapter breaks down a particular time or incident in Ludwig's life very well and covers it thoroughly.

Again, I would definitely recommend this for the casual reader interested in Ludwig. While it is very detailed, it is also written in a very readable style, without coming off like a textbook.

The author views Ludwig sympathetically, but relatively objectively and with a good knowledge of the time period. He perhaps glosses over the question of Ludwig's sexuality, but also explains why he does so.

All in all, a very-well reasearched and well-written book that is very readable on an intriguing man.