Product Description

István Deák examines the Habsburg officer corps and the way in which it became the foremost preserver of the multi-ethnic Austro-Hungarian empire from the mid-nineteeth century to the empire's defeat in 1918. The officer corps was an important cohesive force in the empire, for it created a unified and loyal army from recruits representing all the different nationalities and ethnic groups of Austro-Hungary. The policies, character, social structure, and self-image of the Habsburg army have been neglected in the extensive literature on the origins of the First World War. Deák provides the most comprehensive social and cultural portrait to date of this important institution.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #935072 in Books
• Published on: 1990-07-19
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 314 pages

Customer Reviews

Outstanding book, unworthy criticisms
Praise for Istvan Deak. A masterpiece of minute research and a presentation of information on several phenomena which have been kept outside the scope of most literature on the Austro-Hungarian officer corps. To be precise, a lot of the material presented here could be found in already existing literature (the bibliography bears witness to that). It is however an entirely different issue to see it put together in a well- developed story. And yes, I too concede that this book isn't a pageturner at some points, but I must say that I am glad of that, because it probably would diminish the book's role as an invaluable reference book.

The fact that Dr. Deak was able to illustrate the fruits of meticulous research with quotes from literature and other sources is to be commended. I myself, a student of the subject and member of an Austro-Hungarian Officer's family, thank Istvan Deak for his book.

This is the first time I write a review of a book with the intention to defend it against unworthy criticism. Every author, certainly one of Dr. Deak's calibre, should expect reviews of his published work. If a well-informed reader/reviewer thinks a harsh critique is called for, most authors would welcome even that. If and when however, a review amounts to mere slander, or a byproduct of ignorance we should draw a distinct line.

A Disappointment
I expected much more from Dr. Deak, who has quite a reputation in the area of Hapsburg studies. Sadly, his research wasn't thorough enough and he makes several mistakes in his assertions. Perhaps he was over-anxious to crank out this book to satisfy some deadline. I hope, in light of new information available, Deak or another (younger) scholar will do the subject justice.

Cloying, trite, irrelevent. This book disgusted me.
Much has already been written on this topic already. Deak adds nothing but his own opinionated propaganda.He tries to dazzle with his style, but fails to come up with any substance. Even his style is a bit antiquated and jaundiced. Reading this drivel was like feasting on a stale, cheap cake which refused to go away. He stubbornly refuses to credit women, minorities and queers for the sizeable contributions they made to Habsburg culture. A hidden agenda? One must wonder. After the horrors of recent European history, we can only hope a more honest, balanced account will come soon.