The Will to Survive is a masterful narrative that provides a comprehensive look at the historical forces that have shaped modern Hungary. Sir Bryan Cartledge combines the precision of a historian with the narrative skill of a seasoned observer to explain how a small nation, isolated by language and surrounded by great powers, managed to maintain its identity and sovereignty over a thousand years.
The book covers major milestones including the Golden Bull, the devastating Ottoman occupation, the long struggle within the Habsburg Empire, and the tragic events of the 20th century, including the Treaty of Trianon and the 1956 Revolution. This 2011 edition is essential reading for students of European history and anyone seeking to understand the psychological and political landscape of contemporary Hungary.
