For God and Kaiser

The Imperial Austrian Army, 1619-1918

By: Richard Bassett

Narrated by: Aaron Blain

The definitive history of Austria’s multinational army and its immense role during three centuries of European military history.

Among the finest examples of deeply researched military history, Richard Bassett’s For God and Kaiser is a major account of the Habsburg army told for the first time in English. Bassett shows how the Imperial Austrian Army, time and again, was a decisive factor in the story of Europe, the balance of international power, and the defense of Christendom. Moreover it was the first pan-European army made up of different nationalities and faiths, counting among its soldiers not only Christians but also Muslims, and Jews.

Bassett tours some of the most important campaigns and battles in modern European military history, from the 17th century through World War I. He details technical and social developments that coincided with the army’s story and provides fascinating portraits of the great military leaders as well as noteworthy figures of lesser renown. Departing from conventional assessments of the Habsburg army as ineffective, outdated, and repeatedly inadequate, the author argues that it was a uniquely cohesive and formidable fighting force, in many respects one of the glories of the old Europe.

The book is published by Yale University Press.

©2015 Richard Bassett (P)2019 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

“Ground-breaking history…few aspects of Austria's colourful history escape Bassett's eagle eye in a book that brilliantly fills a gaping hole in Europe's history.” (BBC History)

“Superb new book.” (The National Interest)

History of the Habsburg Army and Dynasty.

Detail history of the Habsburg Army and Dynasty. Highly recommended. Europe if not the world could learn a great deal on how the Habsburg governed.

A Excellent book!

Personally, as a fellow student of history, military or not, I enjoy a lot have contact with a bit of eastern european history, normally bypassed in courses. Also was great to see a better picture of the often overlooked Austrian monarchy and military pre 1914

Good book. Narration not the best.

This is a surprisingly good and thorough book. If you're interested in the 5 powers and pre-ww1 Europe this book will surprise you with its thoroughness. I tremendously enjoyed the content.

The narration is a little jarring, it sounded a lot like "small phrase"..."small phrase"..."small phrase" Almost like the pause button was getting pushed after every 3 words.

It was still a good read/listen

The History of the Austro-Hungarian Empire

This was a stupendous review of the history of Central Europe from the 1600’s thru the end of WWI. The nexus of the Monarchy, it’s military machine, and the vastly different peoples in it is simply fascinating.

Good story, bad narrator.

Great story. Narrator takes annoyingly long pauses after sentences though, otherwise it'd get five stars.