Budapest: A History of Grandeur and Catastrophe

I seldom write book reviews, both because I know readers' tastes differ and the request always brings me back to my school days and the need to write book reports, a requirement that took pleasure from many a book for me. In this case, however, I have to share my enjoyment with other readers. I am planning to visit Budapest at the end of April, so I wanted to learn more about the location. What a treat Joe Hajdu's writing is. I don't like history. I like geography even less. Hajdu makes the locations and the history live. Because he switches back and forth in time as he examines different aspects of the history, I find it easy to remember locations and events. His portrayal of the characters that have influenced Budapest's past and present connects them to happenings and the places in which they occurred. In many cases he uses a native word with a translation the first time, and thereafter he uses only the native word (example, ter=square {accent mark omitted}.) His exposition of Széchényi's role in the development of Budapest is fairly detailed without being overwhelming. The book is informative and enjoyable. My visit to Budapest will be greatly enhanced by Joe Hajdu's contribution.

I bought this book to learn a little about Budapest before I traveled there. I was very pleasantly surprised by it. He writes this book so you do learn all the historical and cultural background. However, he adds interviews from people that actually lived through these time periods. The reader gets a personal view of what they experienced, how they felt, their fears and their sacrifices. The reader is then able to relate to their life style. He also brings in facts about individuals that the reader would know and tells their story and how they related to Hungary and possibly helped the country or city itself. A very interesting read. I feel I can not only be somewhat educated about Budapest but can now understand the culture and the people there. I would highly recommend this book!

Engaging storytelling, from the minute social detail of the families that built Budapest to the wars and leaders that defined the city limits. In preparation for an upcoming trip to Budapest, I was seeking a book to help me understand both the present culture and the history of a city of which I previously knew little. I was so impressed to read this book as it led me through the town to describe the history of each section, yet the narrative kept me wanting to read more!

I wish I had read this book before my trip to Budapest last September. There was a certain amount of history in guidebooks but Joe Hajdu's book has a much more detailed history. I recommend that anyone who plans to visit Budapest reads this book. Indeed, if you are interested in history read this book.

My sister and I went on a tour that included Budapest. It gave us a an idea of the history and insight into places we were going to visit.

The book was very readable and gave a good history-spanning overview of the country’s history. Issues of the past 100 years were able to bring focus on a snapshot of the country’s current state of affairs.

Great summary of the history of Budapest. Special kudos for the detailed explanation on the move from communism to democracy for Budapest citizens.

The book begins as I expected, with the history of Buda and Pest but spends the final 40% with post WWI politics and far to much local detail. I skimmed the last few chapters.

I read this book before my first visit to Budapest and was very glad I did. Hajdu has a very easy style about his writing with a nice light humour and provides an excellent introduction to contemporary Budapest. Not only was I able to use this book as an alternative guide book but it gave insights into how the city developed physically, politically and culturally, which were easily digested. All in all I’d recommend this book for anyone planning to visit or who wants a good overview of how and why Budapest became the fascinating city it is.

I was just going to Budapest for a few days and wanted to know some history of the place. This is good on the newer stuff, not so much on the beginnings of Budapest, but then if you are going to see the place now you only see the new stuff. I could have done with a bit more ancient history.Otherwise an excellent book.

Nice mixture of personal anecdotes and autobiography with an incisive and concise overview of the city's history and recent emergence from communism. As an outsider I consider the future may be much brighter than locals can imagine, though after you read this history you realize that this is not so surprising.

A very informative and easy to read book giving a great insight into Budapest's history. Ideal for those wanting an insoght into this wonderful city. The item was delivered 3 days outside the specified delivery period.

I have just finished reading this marvellous book before and during my 5 day stay in Budapest . I will strongly recommend it to anyone I know who is visiting the city so they know more about the legacy and context of the buildings and symbols which pervade the places they visit .He writes so well and his family history gives an added depth to the text .