In this captivating episode, we sit down with Dr. Martyn Rady, a renowned British historian and preeminent expert on Central Europe, to unravel the layered legacies of the Habsburg Empire. From his early love of history (sparked by history-teacher parents) to the surprising global reach of Habsburg rule, Rady brings both wit and wisdom to the mic.

We explore how the Habsburgs' dynastic empire spanned continents, managed competing national identities, and enacted tens of thousands of edicts, some so obscure they were never published. Dr. Rady challenges common perceptions of empire and unpacks the misunderstood resilience of Central Europe, shaped by Roman law, warfare, and religious authority.

He also previews his next project on the empires and borderlands of Eastern Europe, including insights into the volatile histories of Ukraine and the Balkans. Whether you're fascinated by the mechanics of imperial power or the bureaucratic absurdities of fish-measuring decrees, this is a must-listen.

Highlights:

• Why the Habsburgs were more than just a European dynasty

• What makes 1526 a turning point in Central European identity

• How Roman law reshaped monarchy, morality, and governance

• How World War I obliterated centuries of imperial stability

• The bureaucratic excesses of the 18th century and their bizarre legal decrees

• The legacy of Charlemagne and the ideological roots of "empire"

• Why Dr. Rady regrets not becoming a historian of the Canary Islands!

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Peter's This Week's Top Picks from The Collector:

1. The Habsburgs: From the Alps to European Dominance
2. The Habsburgs: A Millennia-Old Dynasty