The Swan King

This isn’t a particularly great book, but it’s adequate to its subject, who wasn’t a particularly great king. For people with an interest in Ludwig who can’t (or won’t) read about him in German, it is about as good as it gets. One of the first things I noticed when I mentioned I was reading this book......more

A very interesting book filled with details about King Ludwig 2nd of Bavaria. A little "gossipy" in parts which does detract a little from the historical elements but still a very good read. If anything I now want to visit Bavaria and explore the places mentioned in the book. A nice 3.5 star read, roun......more

An easy to digest biography of one of Europe's most enigmatic rulers, the builder of fairy tale castles and the great patron of Wagner and German Opera. The author's approach to Ludwig's "latent homosexuality" often sounds dated and without a genuine or realistic understanding of sexual orientation......more

I read this book in preparation for my trip to Bavaria because he is so famous for his architectural achievements, but has also been deemed mad by certain scholars. This book was objective and fascinating. It gave an entire biography of Ludwig from birth to death and I am glad to now add such a rath......more

King Ludwig is a very fascination person, so I cannot understand how this book could be so utterly boring.......more