Nicholas Henderson (1919–2009)

Back from a fascinating trip in which I saw monumental statues of him in Budapest and Vienna and his wonderful Belvedere Palace in the latter city, I was amazed to find that this 1964 book seems to be the only English-language biography of Prince Eugen of Savoy. Although the style does feel a little dated, it is very comprehensive and does attempt to get beyond the battles and titles to give some insight – or at least informed speculation – about the inner life of its subject. Was he a misogynist or perhaps a homosexual? His courtesan mother narrowly escaped death for treason in France, and was responsible for Eugen not having a military career in the French forces. He took himself off to Vienna, where he loyally served the Hapsburg rulers of the Holy Roman Empire his whole life, and rarely visited his mother in her Brussels exile. He did not marry, although in later life in Vienna he seems to have had a very close relationship with a Hungarian countess.

The author’s account of Eugen’s relationship with the Duke of Marlborough, with whom Eugen was allied through a number of wars and battles against the French – including the great victory of Blindheim (Blenheim) – gives Eugen more credit than he is usually given in English histories. In particular, the author seems to enjoy counterbalancing the more favorable judgement of his ancestor, Marlborough, given by Winston Churchill in his biography of the latter. In his later years, after he had fallen out of favor with Queen Anne, Marlborough seems to have suffered from depression; Eugen’s “can do” attitude, according to the author, often restored Marlborough’s peace of mind.

The research and use of sources in this work are admirable, but it is surely time for someone to take a fresh look at Eugen.… (mais)

2022 Prince Eugen of Savoy, by Nicholas Henderson (read 28 Sep 1986) I on April 30, 1972 said to myself I should read this book, but not till now have I done so. Prince Eugen was born in Paris on 18 Oct 1663. His mother was Cardinal Mazarin's niece. His mother fell into disfavor in France, and Eugen ended up serving the Hapsburgs in Austria, and died 21 Apr 1736. Napoleon ranked Prince Eugen as one of the seven greatest commanders of history, the others being: Alexander the Great, Hannibal, Caesar, Gustavus Adolphus, Turenne, and Frederick the Great. I have now read biographies of all of them but Gustavus Adolphus and Turenne. This is a good book, laudatory of Prince Eugen. He was a great soldier, and this book tells his story well.… (mais)