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The Swan King

Ludwig II of Bavaria
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Swan King by Christopher McIntosh delves into the life and reign of King Ludwig II of Bavaria, a monarch renowned for his eccentricities, patronage of the arts, and obsession with grand architectural projects like Neuschwanstein Castle. The book explores his complex personality, his mysterious relationships, and the political challenges he faced during his reign. It offers a detailed historical perspective on his legacy and eventual tragic downfall, providing insight into the cultural and political landscape of 19th-century Europe.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by enigmatic historical figures and the complexities of 19th-century European monarchies. It delves into the life and reign of an eccentric and often misunderstood king, blending elements of history, art, and the mysteries surrounding his life. History enthusiasts and those interested in royal intrigue will likely find this a compelling read.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Swan King is the biography of one of the most enigmatic figures of the 19th century, described by Verlaine as 'the only true king of his century'. A man of wildly eccentric temperament and touched by a rare, imaginative genius, Ludwig II of Bavaria is remembered both for his patronage of Richard Wagner and for the fabulous palaces which he created as part of a dream-world to escape the responsibilities of state.

In realization of his fantasies, he created a ferment of creativity among artists and craftsmen, while his neglect of Bavaria's political interests made powerful enemies among those critical of his self-indulgence and excesses.

At the age of 40, declared insane in a plot to depose him, Ludwig died in mysterious circumstances.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350143418

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 October 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic

Illustration: 21bw in 8pp plates

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 360

About the Author

Christopher McIntosh was born in England in 1943 and grew up in Edinburgh. He studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University and German at London University. Later, he returned to Oxford to take a doctorate in History. As a writer, he has specialized in the history of ideas, central European history and the Western esoteric tradition. In addition The Swan King, he has written two books on the Rosicrucians, a biography of the French occultist Elphias Levi and his most recent work, Gardens of the Gods, is to be published by I.B.Tauris in 2003.

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