The Rebel Empresses

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

De: Nancy Goldstone

Narrado por: Tamsin Kennard

From the acclaimed author of In the Shadow of the Empress comes the thrilling chronicle of two of the most influential and glamorous women in nineteenth-century Europe—Elisabeth, empress of Austria, and Eugénie, empress of France—and their efforts to rule amid the scandal, intrigue, tragedy, and violence of their era.

When they married Emperors Franz Joseph and Napoleon III, respectively, Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France became two of the most famous women on the planet. Not only were they both young and beautiful—becoming cultural and fashion icons of their time—but they played a pivotal role in ruling their realms during a tempestuous era characterized by unprecedented political and technological change.

Fearless, adventurous, and independent, Elisabeth and Eugénie represented a new kind of empress—one who rebelled against tradition and anticipated and embraced modern values. Yet both women endured hardship in their private and public lives. Elisabeth was plagued by a mother-in-law who snatched her infant children away and undermined her authority at court. Eugénie’s husband was an infamous philanderer who could not match the military prowess of his namesake. Between them, Elisabeth and Eugénie were personally involved in every major international confrontation in their turbulent century, which witnessed thrilling technological advances, as well as revolutions, assassinations, and wars.

With her characteristic in-depth research and vivid writing, Nancy Goldstone brings to life these two remarkable women, as Europe goes through the convulsions that led up to the international landscape we recognize today.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2025 Nancy Goldstone (P)2025 Little, Brown & Company

Never a dull moment

This book was an amazing read. It was filled with wit, intrigue, and great story telling. It kept me interested until the last words. The reader, Tamsin Kennard, gave a nuanced performance that enhanced the story line. It's always exciting to read a book that works so well on multiple levels. This is my fourth Nancy Goldstone book and I can't wait for her next one.

I like the writing.

there are a lot of insights, There is a lot of history in the book. Not just about the main character but about the times and people and people and events happening which gives context and helps explain the character and their actions.

Interesting read

Engaging glimpse into the lives of two of the most influential royal women of the 19th century.

Excellent book!

I’m a huge fan of Nancy Goldstone’s books, and this one is no exception! Sissi has been an interest of mine for many years, so learning Empress Eugenie’s story and the parallels between Austria and France during this period is as so interesting.

2 young Empresses

Definition of anarchy inaccurate- it is not necessarily about assassins or violent overthrow of the “established order” as is promoted by capitalist ideology.

It occurred in Spain in the ‘20s & ‘30s and was guided by consensus and common ownership of factories and businesses by the workers. They “owned” the means of production.

AVIS is an example today-it is owned & managed by employees of AVIS. Hardly assassins.