Blessed Charles of Austria

Blessed Charles of Austria is the latest from author Charles A. Coulombe and is the study of the life, heritage, and death of His Imperial and Royal Highness, Karl von Habsburg, Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, King of Bohemia, and King of Croatia, Knight of the Order of the Golden Fleece. The penmanship of Mr. Coulombe has this wonderous tale and adventure travel not only time but space to lay a solid foundation for the heroics, piety, trials, tribulations, and outcome of this man and his family. Separated into three parts that can be roughly explained as the Set-Up, the Life and Times, and the Finale, each delving much more deeply into the essentials necessary to begin to surmount the colossal task and duty facing the "Peace Emperor" and his family. Each chapter feels as though one were with Karl and Zita, whether as a young family in Hungary on military duty, or the front lines administering the soldiers (wounded especially) or their subjects, or in Madeira on his way to the Eternal Reward. With the occasional insert of the author himself to connect random factoids or connect with our time, and including pictures of the Emperor, a highly recommended work and more-over the best the author has produced in his career. It only stands that someone should be as dedicated to the life of Emperor Karl as Karl was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 5 stars and very much a great read into the life of this Blessed (God willing a future Saint).

Mr. Coloumbe has done excellently well in detailing the holiness and joyful struggle against evil that Blessed Karl embodied with his whole life. While the text may initially be difficult to retain in memory whilst absorbing the encyclopedic historical context conveyed in the initial chapters, this context is vital for understanding who the People's Emperor was, and the standards to which he held himself. His witness as a king betrayed by his own, suffering in agony cut off from those he had never done wrong by, and betrayed by those he had placed his trust in was an imitation of Christ immediately approachable for men of the current age, who can take his example as priest of his home and leader of men as something to incorporate into their own lives.

Wonderful book especially for youth. This is an incredibly wonderful book yet on a kind of terrible topic. By terrible I mean that the life of this great man and his family was beyond reproach as a Catholic and national figure. You can so clearly see why he was so clearly a saint in so many ways. Yet it’s terrible because of the times we live in are the absence of great men like this which are so desperately need right now. In my greatest dream of dreams, every single Catholic high school student has to read this book so that he or she might see how important it is to maintain one’s dignity of status in life, no matter the level of fortune nor misfortune which one is experiencing. Charles did a great job in writing this book. It is for me a heartbreak as someone so enamored with both the truth of the Catholic faith and the need for its dominance over temporal affairs. Blessed Karl is someone whose blessings I ask for when saying the rosary daily. I do feel that men will need to imitate him in order to be successful family fathers. As a military leader, he was not that great. There were times when he should have been much more aggressive, meaning violent, planed, and decisive in terms of reclaiming his throne. Nevertheless, the only thing that matters is the state of one’s soul at the moment of one’s death. And for this he was absolutely incredible as was his holy wife. So one really hopes that this book will be spread and sold in the millions, because our young people need to know that their ultimate fate rests with belief and action in the one true Catholic God and in the TRADITIONS of the Church, not with secular things as so many are today consumed with. Blessed Karl please pray for us! A masterful work!

I've been a big fan of the Tumblar House Podcast for about 2 years now. So when Mr Coulombe announced his new book I knew there would be an item in the cart. I've found it investing due to my growing interest in Austria-Hungary, and Blessed Charles. And my lack of knowledge of him / the empire until recently. When my grandfather's birthday came up I struggle to think of a gift, and then it came. A good gift to anyone that's interested in history, a life story with grand drama, or faith.

Great book, it is the first book I have read from Mr. Coulomb and it did not disappoint. I look forward in reading other works by Mr. Coulomb who is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

I’m glad I purchased Mr. Coulombe’s book on Emperor Charles of Austria. As an American, I never knew this amazing yet sad story of the twilight of the Austria-Hungarian Empire.

Mr. Coulombe does an excellent of painting a picture that, admittedly, somewhat alien to an American perspective. It is wonderful to see that leaders like Blessed Carl selflessly existed.

I’ve highly recommended the book to family members and friends.

I read this book during the fight against Covid tyranny and especially during Trudeau's crackdown in Ottawa. The story of Blessed Charles' life and struggles, and Coulombe's comments thereon, are very encouraging and timely. (Some editing would have helped, but I offset this by the wealth of historical information provided.)

Those who follow Mr. Coulombe's weekly YouTube show w Vincent or have read his articles know that he is an avowed monarchist. He puts that zeal to work here to good effect. In a twist of fate, as democracy is failing in the West Mr. Coulombe chronicles the end of monarchy and birth of democracy. It may have seemed a fanciful affectation a few years ago but he may well live to see monarchy rise once again. If it is to be let us hope the monarchs that emerge are as decent and devout as Blessed Charles of Austria. Buy and read this book for a glimpse into the past...and perhaps the future.

Just started the biography while sick these last few weeks. So far I've learned so much about history leading up to Blessed Charles. I will most certainly recommend this book to the Catholic grad student group I am part of!

I never knew anything about Bl. Charles before reading this book, and now I see that he is a great example for leaders of the world today

After listening to monarchy commentary by Mr. Coulombe I reread the book and got much more out of it the second go round. I am now praying to Bl Charles for my sons and Empress Zita my daughter. Thank you for introducing me to these amazing souls.

Mr. Coulombe has given me in this well researched work an insight into the world of Charles I of Austria and how he managed to bring his Catholic faith into his leadership. I pray the last emperor of Austria-Hungary reaches full canonization someday. The book also gives a better understanding about the Holy Roman Empire and Catholic monarchy.

The author Charles Coulombe does an excellent job presenting history in an easy to read, entertaining style. The fast-paced saga reads like a great work of fiction, yet details with great accuracy the tragic "Long slow defeat" of Christendom in the 20th century. The history of monarchy, the idea of the empire, and the story of Christendom is given in surprising detail. The author goes to some lengths debunking various myths surrounding the Empire and the Family who ruled it. Ultimately though, this is the biography of Blessed Karl von Habsburg, a man who was at once an heroic Emperor, a loving Father, and a great Saint. It is a must read for anyone interested in the Holy Roman Empire, Blessed Karl, or Catholic history and culture in general.

This is one of the greatest books I have ever read. I received it as a Christmas gift, and it has changed my life. The witness of Blessed Charles of Austria is so inspiring. It fills me with a desire to do more in my life, and to always fight for the good. Though a few typos pop up occasionally, the subject matter and the writing style more than make up for it.

Blessed Charles of Austria

I recently ordered Kaiser Karl’s biography from Tumblar House and enjoyed free shipping and handling! What a steal! Charles is one of my great heroes and I cannot wait to read!

Not enough can be said for the quality of this work. This is a must have for the family bookshelf. Having aspects of life that each of us (regardless of our state or vocation) should emulate, the authorship paints a wonderful picture of the life lived, the love shared, and the sacrifice made.

If only there would be a Charles series: Charlemagne, King Charles I (England)
That would be the topper!

Having already joined the American arm of the Gebetsliga I was so happy this resource was made available for so many!

The book provides a new perspective on the events surrounding Charles' life and describes the almost Greek-like tragedy of it.

I learned a lot from this book and would highly recommend it to others.

Charles Coulombe does an excellent job expressing the ideals and history of Emperor and King. And then he delves into the glorious yet sorrowful tale of Blessed Charles. It was all done wonderfully.

Definitely Coulombe at his best. The story is expiring and needs to be read. BUY NOW

As a young man, I found this book especially inspirational. Blessed Charles had serious education and upbringing because he was to live a life of responsibility. It occurred to me that that should be the case for every man. We are all called to do great things, and if we don't plan and prepare for it, and are willing to receive responsibility, it won't happen. There are so many other aspects of Charles's character that is a model for us all. He is absolutely a Christ-like figure. In a world where the faithful are looking everywhere for decent leadership and can scarcely find it at all, Blessed Charles of Austria is a book you direly need to read.

Charles Coulombe has done an outstanding job in making Blessed Emperor Karl’s life, faith and motivations clear to us. What is most striking about this account, is the authors ability to contextualize Blessed Karl’s reign.

As a revert to the faith with publicly educated ignorance piled on top, I was awestruck by the history of Blessed Charles. The education and faith required to operate as the Austrian emperor is surprising considering in the United States one simply needs enough people voting (alive or dead) in the affirmative. Amazing devotions to Mary are sprinkled throughout the life of Blessed Charles with great ceremonies of pagentry and meaning.

This book was even better than I anticipated it would be. It was very informative on the life of the last King of Bohemia/Hungary and last Emperor of Austria as well as his relation to the faith. Another home-run by Charles Coulombe.

Excellent and informative. A worthwhile read for those interested in learning more about this saintly Hapsburg who is still far too unknown to both Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

Very engaging read. The Royal couple knew that in order to do right by their subjects, they had to submit to in word in practice to the Divine and Sovereign King, by making decisions that would aid all in making it one day to Heaven.
Very informative; always interesting to see how well known figures had interaction with each other.
I pray more leaders today would pray to him for his intercession.