Skandální život habsburského arcivévody Ludvíka Viktora - Překvapivý obraz života svérázného prince, nejmladšího bratra císaře Františka Josefa – Unterreiner Katrin (2020)

An extraordinary glimpse into the private life of the imperial family. Scandals, intrigues, and spicy details. Archduke Ludwig Viktor, the youngest brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, certainly belonged to the most curious Habsburgs. He was intelligent, witty, charming, and cheerful on one hand, yet cynical, scheming, and moralizing on the other. Given his contradictory nature, it is difficult to characterize him unambiguously. Undoubtedly, he was a dazzling personality, but like many Habsburgs in the second row, he did not find any task that suited him even a little. Ludwig certainly had the eloquence to play one of the leading roles in the monarchy. However, Franz Joseph was unable to utilize his talent even with his youngest brother, preventing him from leading a fulfilled life. He was relegated to the sidelines, and hostile attacks from Viennese society resulted in mockery and persecution. Katrin Unterreiner, using new sources, has portrayed in this first biography of the emperor's youngest brother a surprising picture of the life of this eccentric prince, providing an interesting look behind the scenes of the imperial family.