The two most interesting parts, to me, were the Habsburgs and the Bourbons of Spain. I better understood why the royals of Europe became so weak -- they were all intermarried. The Habsburgs established a hereditary monarchy in Austria in 1282 when Charles V divided territories between his son Phillip II and his brother Ferdinand. The Habsburgs ruled Spain from 1504 to 1700.
The Spanish Bourbon dynasty was created by Phillip V, grandson of Louis XIV of France, without an heir after the death of Charles II of Spain. This dynasty has been overthrown and reinstated several times.
The Spanish's wealth from the New World enhanced their empire and wealth. This story was uneven; in some places, it was fascinating, and in others, there were too many dates and minutiae. I'm still not fond of the reader, but he wasn't as irritating as in the other book (THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION). I must admit, however, that he pronounces foreign words quite well.
The Spanish Bourbon dynasty was created by Phillip V, grandson of Louis XIV of France, without an heir after the death of Charles II of Spain. This dynasty has been overthrown and reinstated several times.
The Spanish's wealth from the New World enhanced their empire and wealth. This story was uneven; in some places, it was fascinating, and in others, there were too many dates and minutiae. I'm still not fond of the reader, but he wasn't as irritating as in the other book (THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION). I must admit, however, that he pronounces foreign words quite well.
