Empress, reformer, Mass-goer

John Jolliffe
17 April 2025, The Tablet

Empress Maria Theresa painted by Martin van Meytens in 1759

photo: Alamy/Pictorial Press

Maria Theresa Empress: The Making of the Austrian Enlightenment by RICHARD BASSETT

The author has digested a vast amount of detail, but never allows the story to be drowned in it, and the division of the book into manageable sections helps the reader along.

Get Instant Access

Continue Reading

Register for free to read this article in full

Subscribe for unlimited access

From just £37.50 quarterly

  Print copy of The Tablet delivered directly to your door.
  Complete access to all Tablet website content including all premium content.
  Access to the weekly digital copy of The Tablet.
  Full access to The Tablet’s archive – over 180 years of back issues.

Already a subscriber? Login

Article end