Kirjahaku

Only seven European monarchies remain intact today; all are constitutional monarchies. Four empires and 16 kingdoms have disappeared in Europe during the last two centuries. The Bourbon kingdom in France vanished first, in 1830; the Greek kingdom most recently, in 1973. Former sovereigns still consider themselves to be kings. Princes, dukes and counts remain, possessed of far-reaching connections to currently reigning monarchs. For some of them the path to headship of the royal houses has been complicated, taking many twists and turns. Two world wars caused the greatest attrition in monarchies. Exile has been bitter for some, happier for others, but in and out of exile the heads of royal families live well. Many are successful in business and as financiers. Many are enthusiastic followers of sports. Some manage large estates; others are still trying to regain royal properties. The chapters are arranged in the chronological order in which the kingdoms disappeared. This book profiles twenty-one heads of formerly regnant houses of Europe, set in historical perspective, and recounting varied life styles, occupations, and interests. At the end of each chapter is a chart or set of charts depicting the line of succession of the headship of the house.

This book presents the lives and accomplishments of 39 women rulers--not "in-name-only," but wielders of real power. Celebrated queens like England's Elizabeth I share equal space here with lesser-known monarchs like Giovanna I of Naples and Maria da Gloria of Portugal. The ?amboyant, such as Christina of Sweden, contrast with the moralistic, like Maria Theresa of Austria. Each is the heroine of an often dramatic story involving dynastic interplay and court politics. The complex forces that have impeded or sparked the royal performances are detailed.