The division of Austria after World War II is the central theme of this novel, which tells of personal passions, vices and dreams that are played out in the city of Vienna. This Cold War chronicle is centred upon the von Acht family and the role they play as their nation struggles for survival. Elsewhere in the city, the historic crown of Charles V has disappeared and the hunt is on as Russian, British, American and French officers each try to find it, without success. Hugh Thomas received the Somerset Maugham Prize for "The Spanish Civil War" in 1961. Author of several other books, including "Unfinished History of the World" and "Cuba, or the Pursuit of Freedom", he was Professor of History at the University of Reading from 1966 to 1976 and has been Chairman of the Centre for Policy Studies since 1979. His novels include "The World's Game" and "Havannah".
- ISBN10 0241125278
- ISBN13 9780241125274
- Publish Date 17 October 1988
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 6 December 1991
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Penguin Books Ltd
- Imprint Hamish Hamilton Ltd
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 352
- Language English