Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer -no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Maximilian and Carlota: Europe's Last Empire in Mexico Paperback – April 14, 2015
From 1861 to 1866, the French incorporated the armies of Austria, Belgiumincluding forces from Crimea to Egyptto fight and subdue the regime of Mexico’s Benito Juárez during the time of the U.S. Civil War. France viewed this as a chance to seize Mexican territory in a moment they were convinced the Confederacy would prevail and take over Mexico. With both sides distracted in the U.S., this was their opportunity to seize territory in North America. In 1867, with aid from the United States, this movement came to a disastrous end both for the royals and for France while ushering in a new era for Mexico.
In a bid to oust Juárez, Mexican conservatives appealed to European leaders to select a monarch to run their country. Maximilian and Carlota’s reign, from 1864 to 1867, was marked from the start by extravagance and ambition and ended with the execution of Maximilian by firing squad, with Carlota on the brink of madness. This epoch moment in the arc of French colonial rule, which spans North American and European history at a critical juncture on both continents, shows how Napoleon III’s failure to save Maximilian disgusted Europeans and sealed his own fate.
Maximilian and Carlota offers a vivid portrait of the unusual marriage of Maximilian and Carlota and of international high society and politics at this critical nineteenth-century juncture. This largely unknown era in the history of the Americas comes to life through this colorful telling of the couple’s tragic reign.
- Print length552 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherTrinity University Press
- Publication dateApril 14, 2015
- Dimensions5.75 x 1.5 x 8.75 inches
- ISBN-10159534263X
- ISBN-13978-1595342638
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more.Read it now.
Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
Editorial Reviews
Review
Meticulously researched and filled with colorful narrative,Maximilian and Carlota is an absorbing read for both amateur historians and students of the human condition." ―San Antonio Current
"McAllen's book offers a fascinating and meticulously researched glimpse at Maximilian's doomed empire." ―Santa Fe New Mexican
McAllen has forged a multifaceted jewel of narrative history, sweeping and cinematic, delving into one of the more fascinating and tragically misguided episodes in Mexico's history." ―Houston Chronicle
"This is a thorough, complete history of Mexico’s second empire. The author leaves nothing untouched." ―William H. Beezley, professor of history at the University of Arizona
"Maximilian and Carlota is a deeply researched book about a period of Mexican history that, while vital for understanding modern Mexico and its relations with the United States and Europe, is of perhaps unparalleled cultural, political, and military complexity for such a short period." ―C. M. Mayo, author ofThe Last Prince of the Mexican Empire
Mexican history offers a phantasmagoria that beggars the imagination. Most writers seem to focus on three distinct eras: Conquest, Independence, and Revolution. But perhaps the most surreal, tragic, yet oddly comedic era in Mexico has gone largely unexamined, until now. M. M. McAllen has written an important book that not only reads like a novel of fantastic inventions but is key to understanding the soul of Mexico today." ―Luis Albertio Urrea, author ofThe Hummingbird’s Daughter
Examines the short reign of a married Austrian archduke and Belgian princess appointed by France's emperor Napoleon III to rule Mexico." ―Chronicle of Higher Education
With rich texture and apposite detail, McAllen ably recounts the events of Maximilian’s short and disastrous reign." ―Booklist
With the 150th anniversary in mind (April 10, 1864),Maximilian and Carlota details Louis Napoléon’s intrepid scheme to install Maximilian von Habsburg and his wife as emperor and empress, but also details the intrigues and incongruities that occurred while nineteenth-century European leaders sought to remake the New World in their vision." ―Foreword Reviews
Enthralling, exhaustively researched and fresh.... A big multi-layered story cinematic, nightmarish and poignant." ―Austin American-Statesman
“World history is most engrossing when read not as a litany of dates, battles, and lineages, but as a drama of real people living messy, interesting lives, and McAllen does just that in Maximilian and Carlota. Maximilian von Habsburg and his wife, Carlota, were installed as the emperor and empress of Mexico 150 years ago, and their surprising story has rarely been told until now.”―Texas Exes Alcalde Magazine
“McAllen has forged a multifaceted jewel of narrative history, sweeping and cinematic, delving into one of the more fascinating and tragically misguided episodes in Mexico's history ― a rich pageant that is full of them.”―San Antonio Express-News
“McAllen’s research sheds light on a disastrous, yet important period in Mexico’s history.”―San Antonio Magazine
“A wonderfully written book accessible to history buffs and scholars alike, Maximilian and Carlota charts an important but often-overlooked moment in the history of the Western Hemisphere.”―McAllen Monitor
“McAllen has produced a much-needed fresh look at an often neglected and misunderstood period in North American history.”―The Americas: A Quarterly Review of Latin American History
“Gripping duel biography.”―Daily Beast
“A highly readable and accessible narrative.”―Hispanic American Historical Review
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Trinity University Press
- Publication date : April 14, 2015
- Edition : First Trade Paper
- Language : English
- Print length : 552 pages
- ISBN-10 : 159534263X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1595342638
- Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
- Dimensions : 5.75 x 1.5 x 8.75 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #775,737 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #177 inHistorical Latin America Biographies
- #449 inMexico History
- #1,069 inFrench History (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
M. M. McAllen was raised on a storied south Texas ranch and writes about
the history of the Southwest and Mexico. Her first book, the award-winning
and best-selling I Would Rather Sleep in Texas (2003), depicts families from
the area and the blending of cultures against the backdrop of the Mexican-
American War, the Civil War, and upheavals along the border. Her second
book, A Brave Boy and a Good Soldier: John C. C. Hill and the Texas Expedition
to Mier (2006), tells the 1842 biography of thirteen-year-old Texan John C. C.
Hill, who was captured in battle and later adopted by Antonio López de Santa
Anna, president of Mexico. This saga of one boy’s survival and success won
numerous awards and has become a curriculum standard in a number of Texas
schools. She has written book introductions and contributed to anthologies.
McAllen has appeared on the PBS series History Detectives— in an episode
about the origins of the Chisholm Trail— and has contributed to Faces of
America, Henry Louis Gates’s series on the origins of famous citizens. She
continues to research and write articles on transborder topics and has contributed
to various books and anthologies. She lives in San Antonio.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a meticulously researched account of a fascinating period in Mexican history. The writing is well-crafted, with one customer noting it's hard to put down, and they appreciate the good detail throughout.
Select to learn more
Customers praise the book's depth, describing it as a great read on a fascinating subject and a meticulously researched biography. One customer notes how it is told with particular detail and emotion.
"...This is one of the very best reads on thisfascinating and oft-told tale. She tells a good story...."Read more
"A beautifully written,meticulously researched dual biography; easily the best of its kind since "The Crown of Mexico" by the late Joan..."Read more
"It was an interesting time andthoroughly researched, but I kept wondering if this book had an editor...."Read more
"...It’s both academic in its authenticity,thoroughness and documentation as well as a real page-turner of an epic, though largely forgotten episode,..."Read more
Customers find the book well-written and easy to read, with one customer noting it's hard to put down.
"...played important roles at a crucial point in Mexico’s past, isbeautifully written, comprehensive in scope, and exhaustive in its research...."Read more
"...The author captures my attention and held it. Wow!Great book."Read more
"I loved reading this book...."Read more
"...Very nice selection of plates, and avery well written text...."Read more
Customers find the book excellent, with one describing it as fascinating and another noting it's a fine addition to any collection.
"Good read!..."Read more
"...It is afine addition to any collection focusing on the history of Mexico. ."Read more
"Agood read. I enjoyed the story and added details."Read more
"...Maximilian was an enlightened anddecent ruler of Mexico, upholding many of the liberal reforms put in place by Benito Juarez...."Read more
Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book, describing it as a good story about an interesting period in Mexican history, with one customer noting its detailed and emotional portrayal.
"It was aninteresting time and thoroughly researched, but I kept wondering if this book had an editor...."Read more
"...There is a lot ofnew archival research in this book that lends authority to the story it tells...."Read more
"...his wife and their tenure in Mexico, then I would say this is agood overall history...."Read more
"...Intertwining political and military figures from Mexico, Europe, and the United States, the story is riveting, yet precise...."Read more
Customers appreciate the detail in the book.
"...central to this niche in history, they became alive due to thesuperb detail, narrative, and depth of knowledge the author puts forth in this hard..."Read more
"...The author brings to life, inrich detail and language, more than just the central characters...."Read more
"Good historic story,good detail...."Read more
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews. Please reload the page.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2015I loved reading this book. No matter how many accounts I have read about Maximilian and Carlota and this scheme to regenerate Mexico and make it a model of monarchical order and good government, I want more. This is one of the very best reads on this fascinating and oft-told tale. She tells a good story. You want to keep reading, and though it is a long read, you know what is coming and you want to keep with it. The part of Alice Iturbide, whose son Maximilian adopted (or kidnapped, as Maximilian's enemies would have it) is told with particular detail and emotion. I also found the somber mood of the last days before Maximilian's execution especially moving and fascinating. There is a lot of new archival research in this book that lends authority to the story it tells. I felt the author avoided the usual romantic tale of naive European monarchs you see running through many of the accounts. Still, you would have to have a heart of stone not to feel some sympathy for them, at least for Carlota. Her descent into madness is told with plausible evidence. I am often suspicious when wealthy and powerful women are put away for reasons of insanity. She became paranoid and thought Napoleon III or his agents were trying to poison her. She was right that Napoleon III had betrayed her and Maximilian. During her mission to Europe she seemed strong, determined, and very aggressive, and then began to lose her mind during her time at the Vatican. I found the details of her subsequent life at Miramar and in Belgium very poignant. This is a great read on a fascinating subject.
--Don H. Doyle, author of The Cause of All Nations - Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2015There is not a great deal written about this sad couple or about this episode of French-US-Mexican history. Very nice selection of plates, and a very well written text. If you want the over-the-top scene chewing version, rent or buy JUAREZ but if you want the unvarnished truth, this is a great choice.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2017As a fan of history, I must say this one of the best-written histories I’ve read in sometime. It’s both academic in its authenticity, thoroughness and documentation as well as a real page-turner of an epic, though largely forgotten episode, in the annals of French-Mexican history. In histories of the United States, Texas and Mexico, as well as in biographies of Lincoln, U.S. Grant and Andrew Johnson, the story of this ill-fated empire is usually only a background drama or a footnote. So, I was pleased to learn the rest of the story in M. M. McAllen’s in-depth, sterling account of the of Emperor Maximilian and Empress Carlota’s short and tragic reign over Mexico. It must be the most bizarre empire in history, a monarchy built on fantasy and royal hubris by Napoleon III. It’s all brought to life by McAllen’s lively writing and her detailed portraits of Maximilian and Carlota, people we get to know and understand as products of privilege and nobility in the last royal courts of Europe. So, if you’re looking for a good and highly readable history of Maximilian and Carlota, you won’t find a better account than McAllen’s Maximilian and Carlota – Europe’s Last Empire in Mexico. Jim Pitts, Fort Worth, Texas
- Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2021I have always been aware of the French/Mexican war & the French incursion into Mexico, but never really delved into or understood how this happened. This book went a long way in filling that void! Very well written. Highly readable!
Went a long way into explaining why factions within Mexico would accept foreign elements coming into they're country. If your interested in history, especially Mexican history this is a must read! - Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2014Having researched Maximilian and Carlotta about 15 years ago, I had hoped that there would be some new information in this book. However, most of the information was recycled and I didn't find much new with one exception: the details given about Carlotta's breakdown in Europe---that information was new and fascinating. I'd hoped for more personal and less historical detail about M & C. That being said, if you've not read a great deal about Maximilian and his wife and their tenure in Mexico, then I would say this is a good overall history. I felt too much time was devoted, however, to the battles and not enough to the other factors influencing their short and doomed reign in the New World.
Hebby Roman - Reviewed in the United States on September 26, 2017What a wonderful read! This biographical account of Maximilian and Carlota, two historical figures who played important roles at a crucial point in Mexico’s past, is beautifully written, comprehensive in scope, and exhaustive in its research. Intertwining political and military figures from Mexico, Europe, and the United States, the story is riveting, yet precise. If you’re not familiar with the geography and terrain of Mexico, plan to read the book with a detailed map of Mexico available in order to follow the routes of military expeditions and battles. It is a fine addition to any collection focusing on the history of Mexico. .
- Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2020Great insight into the life and misfortune of Maximilian and Carlota. And the facts that surrounded their fate. Maybe slightly biased by an American observer
- Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2024A good read. I enjoyed the story and added details.
Top reviews from other countries
- Jack HarmonyReviewed in Mexico on January 10, 2017
5.0 out of 5 starsPerfecto y sin problemas.
El libro llego completamente intacto.
Un libro que bien podría ser considerado el mayor y mejor escrito de Maximiliano y en general el segundo imperio mexicano. - Philip ZidarovReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 2, 2018
5.0 out of 5 starsExcellent service. TNX!
All perfect. - Client d'AmazonReviewed in France on February 25, 2025
5.0 out of 5 starsTrès satisfait
Livre arrivé dans les délais et en bon état. - Timothy MaxwellReviewed in the United Kingdom on June 19, 2015
3.0 out of 5 starsNot the best account of what is a truly a dramatic
Not the best account of what is a truly a dramatic, but oft-forgotten, episode in world history. Unfortunately the prose fails to match the grandeur of the events described. Nonetheless, an honest, workmanlike narrative at least conveys the most important events well enough.
