Tag Archives: European History

White Paper: Infantas as Brides in European Royal Diplomacy—and Whether the Alliances Held

Posted on December 16, 2025 by nathanalbright

Executive summary From the late medieval period through the 18th century, the daughters of Iberian monarchs—infantas of Spain (and similarly in Portugal)—were among Europe’s most valuable diplomatic assets. Their marriages were not primarily “romantic unions,” but instruments designed to (1) … Continue reading →

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Romania’s Strategic Role in World War I: A Scholarly White Paper

Posted on November 7, 2025 by nathanalbright

Executive Summary Romania’s participation in World War I (1914–1918) was shaped by a complex interplay of geography, national aspiration, and alliance diplomacy. Although initially neutral, Romania entered the war in August 1916 on the side of the Entente Powers, seeking … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Lost Cafe Schindler

Posted on May 31, 2024 by nathanalbright

The Lost Cafe Schindler, by Merial Schindler This book is framed as a family mystery wrapped within larger mysteries, the sort of book that is best understood by those who have some familiarity with the lost world of European Jewry, … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Leipzig 1813

Posted on September 16, 2023 by nathanalbright

Leipzig 1813: The Battle Of The Nations, by Peter Hofshroer The Leipzig campaign of 1813 marks a decisive turning point in Napoleon’s fortunes as a general. While the invasion of Russia in 1812 was a disaster and French recruits were … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Scandinavian Baltic Crusades: 1100-1500

Posted on December 14, 2020 by nathanalbright

The Scandinavian Baltic Crusades: 1100-1500, by D Lindholm & D Nicholle, Illustrated by McBride Even among those who know the crusades, the Baltic crusades are not particularly well-known except for those who are historians or students of history who are … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Racial Realities In Europe

Posted on June 30, 2020 by nathanalbright

Racial Realities In Europe, by Lothrop Stoddard Concerning a book like this, I feel it is incumbent upon me at the outset to state that I do not agree with the author’s racialist perspective of the history of the world.  … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Hussite Revolution: 1424-1437

Posted on June 15, 2020 by nathanalbright

The Hussite Revolution:  1424-1437, by F.M. Bartosh For English-language readers, the Hussite revolution in Bohemia and Moravia (now the Czech Republic) is an obscure subject that is known to few except those who are passionately interested in late medieval history … Continue reading →

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Book Review: World War I: The Western Front

Posted on March 12, 2020 by nathanalbright

World War I:  The Western Front, by Nicola Barber It is intriguing to see just how many relatively basic books exist about World War I.  In my experience World War I is not generally well known or well-remembered, and yet … Continue reading →

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Book Review: Birth Of The West

Posted on February 17, 2020 by nathanalbright

Birth Of The West:  Rome, Germany, France, And The Creation Of Europe In The Tenth Century, by Paul Collins This is an easy book to like, although it is not a very well-organized book it must be admitted.  The author … Continue reading →

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Heroes And Villians: A Columbus Day Tale

Posted on October 14, 2019 by nathanalbright

Yesterday, while I was walking through the Botanical Gardens in Kingstown, the capital of the small island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, someone gave thanks to Captain Bligh in rhyme for giving breadfruit to the island and thus … Continue reading →

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