The War of the Austrian Succession [Paperback]

Reed S. Browning (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1995 | ISBN-10: 0312125615 | ISBN-13: 978-0312125615

Reed S. Browning explores the often-changing war aims of the major belligerents-Austria, France, Great Britain, Prussia, Piedmont-Sardinia, and Spain-and links diplomatic and military events to the political and social context from which they arose.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The War of the Austrian Succession proved an endless procession of unpleasantness among a handful of dynastic families that ruled Europe in the 18th century. It was such a hodgepodge of affairs that historiographers cannot agree whether it was one war or three. In Germany, the war is as likely to be called the First and Second Silesian wars. Nevertheless, Browning (history, Kenyon Coll.) tries to tie this series of squabbles into a coherent account. For the most part, he succeeds, except when he lapses into the archaic language of his subjects: "Maria Theresa embodies adamance amid asthenia." Browning presents little that is new in content or thesis. What makes this account worthwhile is that it is the first comprehensive, scholarly book of this war (or wars). Scholars of the era will find it interesting; the general public will find it longer than the war. For academic collections but a marginal purchase for public libraries.
- Randall L. Schroeder, Augustana Coll. Lib., Rock Island, Ill.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"At long last we have a thoroughly researched and comprehensive history of the War of the Austrian Succession. Professor Browning has written a witty and engaging narrative that turns the volume's size into a real plus for students and scholars of military and diplomatic history. This is good, old-fashioned history at its best." --Charles Ingrao, Purdue University

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (May 15, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312125615
• ISBN-13: 978-0312125615
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,328 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #30 in Books > History > Europe > Austria
  • #41 in Books > History > Europe > Hungary

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The author creates a vivid, engaging, yet concise work., February 14, 1999

By 

Shawn Day (Ballsbridge, Dublin, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The War of the Austrian Succession (Paperback)

I am very impressed with this book. The author has taken an immense amount of material on all the warring realms of the Europe in the mid 18th century and distilled it into a brilliantly executed and entertaining dissertation. The author maintains very clear objectives, discusses ramifications, maintains a global context and manages to keep the reader entertained throughout. The war which was really comprised of a number of regional conflicts and revolving alliances established a new order in Europe at the time. It was sparked by greed, opportunity and a change in national fortunes. Careers were made and destroyed and the balance of power in Europe was altered forever. Maps augment the text and I was particularly impressed with the author's ability to weave in details about the intricacies of warfare, of commerce and of society in the 18th century while not distracting from a structured discussion of the battles and their outcomes. Highly recommended.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting book about a subject rarely written., August 24, 2004

By 

lordhoot "lordhoot" (Anchorage, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The War of the Austrian Succession (Paperback)

I enjoyed reading this book, simply because there isn't too many books out there on the War of the Austrian Succession. In fact, I am willing to wager that probably only one American in 500 would know what this war was all about. (Maybe 1 in 1000?? One in 2000??)

I am pretty familiar with this war and that helps a lot. The book was written by scholar for scholars basically. Its not an easy book to read to the uninitated reader going in blind. I think I read one previous reviewer suffering from that element.

I thought the author have presented a very readable book, considering all the complex issues, battles and campaigns of this war. The author clearly defined this war as one of Empress Maria Thersea's finest moments as she fought off a very aggressive Frederick the Great and a superb Prussian army, gathered up alliances and waged an effective defense of her crown and territories although she lost Silesia for good.

If there was a weakness in the book, I thought the maps were totally lacking. Considering how important geography was in this conflict, the author should have put in some effort in giving the readers practical maps relating to the war. Some battle maps and illustrations would be nice too.

But its a book for scholars, written by one so I guess I may be asking too much here. Excellent book overall, well worth the time and money to get it and read it. Just have little bit of background to the conflict to get more out of it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Frederick meets Maria Theresa, July 18, 2002

By 

Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The War of the Austrian Succession (Paperback)

Mid Eighteenth Century political/military history is not everyone's cup of tea. The War of Austrian Succession does not have the cache of the better known Seven Years War or the War of Spanish Succession. Nevertheless, the War of Austrian Succession/Silesian Wars has a lot to recommend it. The story of the teenaged Maria Theresa who upon ascending the thrown is greedily attacked by Prussia, Bavaria and France is a great story. With no credible allies, Maria Theresa was able to rally her people to defend her empire.

Reed Browning is good writer and has the organizational ability to help the reader keep track of the myriad of diplomatic and military details. My only criticism is the pathetic maps that accompany the book. The poor author must have not found the money to include better maps with his book.

The War of Austrian Succession is an obscure war. Reed Browning has done a wonderful job of bringing a little known conflict to life.