My wife and I are going on a three week trip to Budapest, Vienna, and Prague and I was hoping to delve a little deeper into these three cities rather than just reading travel guides.
I enjoy history books that span several centuries, as I find it helps me appreciate the architecture and culture more. As an example, I loved Rebecca Fraser's narrative history, "The Story of Britain."
If any of y'all could recommend some good books I would be very grateful! I am having a harder time than I expected trying to narrow down some good contenders.
Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Pieter M. Judson's The Habsburg Empire: A New History is comprehensive, if a little dense in places.
Peter H. Wilson's Heart Of Europe: A History of the Holy Roman Empire is again extensive, running from Charlemagne to Napoleon and taking in the Habsburgs as part of a wider sweep of history.
(Both of the above are also available on Audible if that's your bag)
It's not academic history, but Simon Winder's Danubia: A Personal History of Habsburg Europe is a good read and something a bit lighter.