Marquise de Fontenoy's 'The Secret Memoirs of the Courts of Europe: William II, Germany; Francis Joseph, Austria-Hungary' offers readers a captivating glimpse into the inner workings of two powerful European courts during the late 19th century. Written in a detailed and descriptive style, this book provides a rich literary context for understanding the political dynamics and social customs of the time. Fontenoy's keen observations and intimate accounts offer a unique perspective on the history of Europe, making this work a valuable resource for scholars and history enthusiasts alike. As a well-connected socialite and confidante to many prominent figures, Marquise de Fontenoy had privileged access to the courts of William II and Francis Joseph, inspiring her to record their secret memoirs. Her firsthand experiences and insider knowledge lend credibility to the narrative, giving readers an authentic and immersive reading experience. Fontenoy's expertise in court etiquette and diplomatic affairs shines through in this meticulously researched account. I highly recommend 'The Secret Memoirs of the Courts of Europe' to readers interested in European history, royal intrigues, and political dramas. Fontenoy's vivid storytelling and historical insights make this book a compelling read that sheds light on the hidden truths of European courts.

New York City native Mary Esther Lee (1837-1914) first married in 1864 the Prince von Noer, brother of the Queen of Denmark, and was created a princess in her own right after his death. An active philanthropist to Protestant causes, she then married Count Alfred von Waldersee whose close ties to the Prussian court made her an intimate friend of Kaiser Wilhelm II and a mentor and valued friend to his young wife. Although she preferred to remain in the background, Mary's influence caused intense jealousy by those at court who resented her friendship with the kaiser and kaiserin. This biography chronicles the remarkable life of an American woman whose wealth and influence enabled her to rise to power in the Prussian royal court.

A record of literary properties sold at auction in the United States.

Leuthen (1757) is one of the best-known battles of the Seven Years' War, the most consequential conflict in continental Europe between the Thirty Years' War and the wars of Revolutionary and then Napoleonic France. It was a victory against the odds, over a vastly superior Austrian enemy who held the initiative in the war. Leuthen confirmed the reputation of Frederick II ('the Great') of Prussia as one of history's greatest military commanders. His victory rested on superior drill and firepower, intelligent use of the terrain, and his perfecting of the 'oblique battle order'. But faulty intelligence and flawed decision-making on the Austrian side were no less important, as T.G. Otte shows in this reappraisal of events. Leuthen was of profound significance for the war and for the future course of European history. Frederick's victory reversed the military dynamic of the current conflict. It kept Prussia in the war, preserved the existence of the Prussian state, and laid the foundations of its further rise with consequences beyond Frederick's own times. It also ensured Britain's final commitment to what was becoming a global conflict. The significance of Prussia's victory extended beyond the military sphere. The 'Leuthen myth', encapsulated in the evocative image of Frederick's exhausted grenadiers intoning the church hymn 'Now thank ye all our Lord', shaped political and historical disputes in nineteenth- and twentieth-century Germany. It also influenced the intellectual assumptions that underpinned Prusso-German war planning before the First World War. The 'Chorale of Leuthen' provided the accompanying chords of German cultural developments up to the collapse of the Third Reich in the burning ruins of Berlin. But even to the present day its echo can still be heard. As with other great battles, Leuthen is constantly reassessed and rewritten as an element of national culture and identity.