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Last Call at the Hotel Imperial: A Journey Through the Habsburg Empire and the Year that Changed Everything

Max Turner

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Published in Last Call At The Hotel Imperial: The Reporters Who Took On A World At War

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In 1914, the Hotel Imperial in Vienna was the most luxurious hotel in the world. It was a symbol of the Habsburg Empire's wealth and power, and a gathering place for the elite of Europe. But in the summer of 1914, the world was on the brink of war, and the Hotel Imperial would soon become a witness to the empire's collapse.

Last Call at the Hotel Imperial is a fascinating and immersive account of the final days of the Habsburg Empire, as seen through the eyes of the hotel's guests and staff. Author Edmund de Waal tells the story of the people who lived and worked at the hotel, from the wealthy aristocrats to the humble servants. He describes the hotel's opulent parties and the behind-the-scenes drama that unfolded as the empire crumbled around it.

Last Call at the Hotel Imperial: The Reporters Who Took On a World at War

by Deborah Cohen

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	41341 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	580 pages

Last Call at the Hotel Imperial is a beautifully written and deeply moving book that brings to life a lost world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, travel, or the human condition.

A Journey Through the Habsburg Empire

The Habsburg Empire was one of the most powerful empires in Europe for centuries. At its height, it ruled over a vast territory that included Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and parts of Poland, Italy, and Romania. The Habsburgs were a wealthy and cultured family, and their empire was a center of learning and the arts.

However, by the early 20th century, the Habsburg Empire was beginning to show signs of strain. Nationalism was on the rise, and the empire's diverse population was becoming increasingly restless. In 1914, the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, set off a chain of events that would lead to the outbreak of World War I.

The war had a devastating impact on the Habsburg Empire. The empire's armies were defeated on multiple fronts, and its territory was gradually occupied by enemy forces. In 1918, the empire collapsed, and Austria and Hungary became separate republics.

The Hotel Imperial

The Hotel Imperial was built in 1873 and quickly became one of the most famous hotels in the world. It was located on the Ringstrasse, Vienna's grand boulevard, and it was frequented by royalty, celebrities, and wealthy travelers from all over the world.

The hotel was known for its opulence and luxury. It had 500 rooms, each of which was decorated in a different style. The hotel also had a grand ballroom, a restaurant, a café, and a rooftop terrace. It was a place where people could see and be seen, and it was a symbol of the Habsburg Empire's wealth and power.

However, in the summer of 1914, the Hotel Imperial was a very different place. The outbreak of war had caused a sharp decline in tourism, and the hotel was nearly empty. The staff was worried about their jobs, and the guests were anxious about the future.

As the war progressed, the Hotel Imperial became a witness to the empire's collapse. The hotel was requisitioned by the military, and it was used as a hospital and a barracks. The once-opulent rooms were now filled with wounded soldiers, and the grand ballroom was used as a morgue.

In 1918, the Hotel Imperial was returned to its civilian owners. However, the hotel was never the same again. The empire that had once supported it was gone, and the world had changed forever.

Last Call

Last Call at the Hotel Imperial is a poignant and evocative account of the final days of the Habsburg Empire. Edmund de Waal tells the story of the people who lived and worked at the hotel, and he brings to life a lost world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, travel, or the human condition.

Last Call at the Hotel Imperial: The Reporters Who Took On a World at War

by Deborah Cohen

4.4 out of 5