Pálffy offers a complex representation of the two centuries by not only depicting the military and political struggle for the liberation and the restoration of the unity of the Kingdom of Hungary. The result is a differentiated description of the developing institutions, infrastructure, economy, social structure and demographic development.
- Marta Fata (Sehepunkte) Written in an elegant and seductive way, well-balanced, with assessments that are not only unique, but also solidly argued, with an exceptional iconographic support (maps, illustrations etc.) wonderfully distributed throughout the book, professor Gèza Pálffy's book will surely impose itself as an original synthesis with a substantial echo among the readers who are both historians and history enthusiasts.
- Ionut Costea (Philobiblon) This important volume introduces English readers to one of the most critical periods of Central European history when "Hungary became the periphery and battleground of two empires, the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Monarchy." . . . Pálffy has written a masterpiece that goes well beyond introductory accounts so common in English-language academic publishing. The author provides both a window on the fascinating complexities of early modern Hungarian history as well as a refreshing reevaluation of traditional Hungarian historiography. In a more general sense, anyone interested in Central and Eastern Europe will appreciate how Pálffy illustrates the richness of Hungarian political, demographic, economic, and cultural developments. The book will benefit specialists, students, and general readers interested in the history of Hungary, its relationships with the Habsburg and Ottoman empires, and Hungary's place in early modern Europe. Students and scholars alike are well advised to put Pálffy's volume on their reading lists.
- Georg B. Michels (Hungarian Studies Review) Filling a glaring lacuna in the English-language literature on late medieval and early modern Hungary, Pálffy's study critically challenges modern scholarship in ways that feel both timely and relevant given the troubling political climate in modern Hungary and much of the West.
- Christopher M. Van Demark (Hungarian Cultural Studies) Pálffy has written a masterpiece that goes well beyond introductory ac- counts so common in English-language academic publishing. The author provides both a window on the fascinating complexities of early mod- ern Hungarian history as well as a refreshing reevaluation of traditional Hungarian historiography. In a more general sense, anyone interested in Central and Eastern Europe will appreciate how Pálffy illustrates the rich- ness of Hungarian political, demographic, economic, and cultural devel- opments.
- Georg B Michels - University of California (Hungarian Studies Review) The present monograph by Géza Pálffy is intended as a survey work of the historical Kingdom of Hungary in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and is aimed decidedly at a broader public. At the same time, however, it also provides important impetus for discussions within the historical sciences. . . . The monograph is an inspiring overview that is definitely recommended reading.
- Markus Koller (Central European History) A comprehensive English-language work like this on the history of early modern Hungary did not exist until now. It will certainly prove its worth to read for anyone dealing with Central Europe at this period.
- Nicolette Mout (TIJDSCHRIFT VOOR GES CHIE DENIS)
