The Rebel Empresses

Elisabeth of Austria and Eugenie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe

By: Nancy Goldstone

Write A Review

Paperback | 9 June 2026 | Edition Number 1

At a Glance

Format
Paperback

Dimensions(cm)
19.8 x 12.8 x 4.0

Paperback

RRP $29.99

$24.99

17%OFF

or 4 interest-free payments of $6.25 with

In Stock and Ships next day

The thrilling chronicle of two of the most influential and glamorous women in nineteenth-century Europe.

When they married Emperors Franz Joseph and Napoleon III, respectively, Elisabeth of Austria and Eugenie of France became two of the most famous women on the planet. Young and beautiful, both represented a new type of empress: one who rebelled against tradition and embraced modern values. Yet they also endured hardship, playing a pivotal role in ruling their realms during a tempestuous era of revolutions, assassinations and wars.

In this vivid account, Nancy Goldstone brings to life these two remarkable women, and their efforts to rule amid the scandal, intrigue, tragedy, and violence of their era.

About the Author

Nancy Goldstone is the author of FOUR QUEENS, JOANNA, THE MAID AND THE QUEEN, THE RIVAL QUEENS and DAUGHTERS OF THE WINTER QUEEN. She lives in New York.

Industry Reviews

A richly detailed, entertaining dual biography...Both women, in Goldstone's vibrant, wryly witty portraits, emerge as glamorous, strong-willed, and independent...In a brisk, lively narrative, Goldstone seamlessly interweaves the women's trials, challenges, and betrayals with the world events that swirled incessantly around them. - Kirkus

In this witty and astute account, historian Goldstone presents the turbulent and politically entwined lives of Elisabeth of Austria and Eugenie of France . . . It's an illuminating and thoroughly enjoyable view of the highborn milieu at the center of a period of rapid modernization - Publishers Weekly

Personal catastrophe and imperial history are deftly interlaced in these parallel lives . . . a bold portrait of two bold women caught in the tempests of history - Wall Street Journal

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

Orders over $79.00 qualify for free shipping.

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.