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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "hungary", sorted by average review score:
A Concise History of Hungary
Published in Paperback by Cambridge University Press (April, 2001)
Average review score: 
History of a Proud and Unique PeopleThis is an outstanding history of a country and people that deserve to be better understood and appreciated. The Hungarians are not a Slavic, Germanic, or a Latin peoples; their language and heritage are alien to that of their neighbors. In many ways, both historically and culturally, Hungary has been at the crossroads of the events and movements that have shaped the history of Europe. Yet Hungary has also been a forceful shaper and mover itself, its modest current size belying the fact that it was once a potential superpower on the Danube. The history by Miklos Molnar is excellent in every respect and highly recommended.
Hungarian HistoryThis is a complete and comprehensive history of the Hungarian land, people, society, culture and economy from its nebulous origins in the Ural mountains of Russia to the elections of 1988. It was written by a Hungarian born, Latin educated, French speaking, Nazi persecuted Swiss historian. The book tells the story of a once upon a time great nation that went into decline following Ottoman, Austrian and Soviet occupations at the same time preserving its unique language and European culture. The author links Hungary's political decline to its social, economic and cultural deficiencies. The country was under Hapsburg domination for four centuries and achieved its independence only after World War I, after having lost two thirds of its territory and half of its population. Now free of Soviet domination since 1990, Hungary seeks its place in the European Union of nations.
Dangerous Diplomacy: The Story of Carl Lutz, Rescuer of 62,000 Hungarian Jews
Published in Hardcover by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (November, 2000)
Average review score:
Well writtenWell written and intense story of a true hero. Theo Tschuy spent numerous years and traveled behind the iron curtain to conduct research for this book. He met Carl Lutz personally and considered Mr. Lutz's story too tremendous to not write about
The book flows easily and is a must for history buffs everywhere. Thanks, Uncle Theo!
A diplomats reaction to the pressure of saving lives.This book represents a very thorough research into the exact details of a rescue operation. As we have been fed countless stories with vastly inflated numbers, this book is a breath of fresh air. The author utilizes his research of archives held by the Swiss government and never before available. The story unfolds of the efforts made by Carl Lutz in saving lives in what is possibly the largest rescue operation of World War II. Without embellishing the heroics of Consul Lutz we are given the details of this story in a very readable fashion. This book authenticates the real number of survivors in Budapest, Hungary based upon the known number found following the war. Prior to this we have been given arbitrary numbers that always total more than the actual number of survivors. This book is a breath of fresh air for the serious reader of Holocaust activities This leaves the reader feeling that indeed there are good people in this world, and that Carl Lutz was one of them. I strongly recommend anyone interested in Holocaust or humanistic stories to read this book.
The Fall of the Red Star
Published in School & Library Binding by Boyds Mills Pr (January, 1996)
Average review score:
For all agesAn excellent portrayal of a story so familiar to Hungarian refugees who left during and after the '56 revolution. It's truly a book for all ages. A book that draws you in, paints a picture and teaches lessons of life.
A captivating story that conveys the horrors of warThe Fall of The Red Star is an incredibly captivating book that is applicable today to convey to children of all ages what people go through and the changes seen during a war. This book was read to my daughter's fourth grade class. They were amazed at what this normal kid went through, watching his 'normal' daily activities change from school, homework, parties, and chores into the horror of fighting and killing to protect his family and fighting for his country. It is a story all adolescents should read and a horror I wish no one should ever experience. Read this book. Then read it with your kids.
"Gizelle, Save the Children!"
Published in Hardcover by Dodd Mead (October, 1980)
Average review score:
Not to be missedWithout a doubt, the best book I have read on the Holocaust. A stunning book, beautifully written.
This is my favorite book,I hope yours too!!!!!!!!A girl named Gizele Hersh struggles to survive Auschwitz,Dachau and Geislingen with its huge monsterlike machines.Her mothers last words before she was burned were Gizelle Save the children! 1 more hour.1 more day.She thinks this to stay alive.
Gypsy Hearts
Published in Hardcover by Grove Press (May, 1997)
Average review score:
Re-discovered this bookI read this book about a year ago on a friend's recommendation, and remember really liking it. Then I came across my copy last week while clearing out a closet, and thought I'd re-read the first chapter - I wound up re-reading the whole thing. I'm not necessarily a big fan of 'crime fiction,' or whatever category this would fit into, but something about this American cruising around Europe as a con man is really enjoyable. I have since passed my copy on to a friend and he just called me, three chapters in, loving the book - so I thought I'd recommend it to the world at large. This is one very well-written book that keeps you turning the page. Well worth a read (or two!)
A thrilling, intelligent (and funny) book. A great read.I read lots of crime-fiction, and this book is one of the best I have come across. The charactors are interesting, the plot is thrilling, the locations intreguing and the writing is exciting. My wife was upset, however, that I stayed up all night, and kept waking her with my chuckling. Please let me know when Mr. Eversz comes out with another!
Hanna's Cold Winter (Picture Books)
Published in School & Library Binding by Lerner Pub Group (September, 1993)
Average review score:
I want to visit BudapestI really had no opinion of the book until I read it again. This time I tried to put together an image of Budapest by way of the narration. I had to put the pieces together, like a fleeting memory, to see through the eyes of the narrator. The narration flows in a seemingly vague manner that ultimately constructs a memory that is specific and real. The illustrations have this same dream-like accuracy. I enjoyed this book only after taking a second look. I'd like to go there and put all the abstract to bed.
Hanna's Cold WinterThis is a wonderful story that reveals the finer side of human nature. In spite of the hardships of winter and the shortages caused by World War II, the people of Budapest find a way to save their beloved hippopotamuses. The story in itself is uplifting, but it would also be a great springboard to discussion of the realities of war and the human spirit.
Hunyadi: Legend and Reality (East European Monographs, No 178)
Published in Hardcover by East European Monographs (April, 1985)
Average review score:
Bravo!Hunyadi: The Legend and Reality is a fantastic publication for anyone who wants to know about the life and times a truly astounding hero. Held takes you by the hand and leads into 15th century europe's economic, religeous and political system. You really get a well rounded perspective of what it was like to live in that day. Janos Hunyadi was so prominent a figure of that time that you simply cannot learn about this period without learning about the man himself. The book, while chalk-full of historical fact, is very exciting and entertaining. The story of Janos Hunyadi is an epoch tale that Hollywood has somehow missed. Get this book and read it.
Hunyadi: Reality And InsightI found this book while doing research for a historical novel on 15th C Eastern Europe. It is clear that the author carefully researched the subject of Janos Hunyadi. He provides numerous references to document his work, so much so that it is difficult not to accept his interpretation of events when they conflict with other historical sources. He is very clear in laying out the complicated history of the region, particularly Hungary in its wars against the Osmanli Turks. He demonstrates very clearly why Janos Hunyadi was known as the "White Knight" to Roman Catholicism. He gives the biography perspective by explaining life at the various levels of society and providing vital statistics like mortality rates. More, he gives feeling to the pictures he paints, e.g., in describing the life of the average peasant or the siege of Belgrade. He uses quotes from contemporary sources to strongly support his own conclusions. I enjoyed this probably more for entertainment than for the richness historical facts; there is certainly nothing lacking in either in this work by Prof. Held. I thank him for introducing me to Hunyadi, the Turkish sultans, King Matthias, and the other key figures of the time and place. I also thank him for making me wonder if I could have survived an average life in those times, let alone face the challenges and threats faced by Janos Hunyadi.
The "Jewish Question" in Europe
Published in Hardcover by East European Monographs (15 September, 2000)
Average review score:
Exceptional Author conveys important MessageDr. Tamas Ungvari has written an extraordinarily special book discussing the "Jewish Question." Dr. Ungvari communicates nothing but truths in his work. There is little given toward opinion, at the heart here is fact based upon what one must suppose is hours and hours of first hand, 20th Century, research. The Jewish Question is a treasure for generations old and young.
An Important Study of European JewryDr. Ungvari has made an important contribution to the study of Jews in Europe, especially in Hungary. This is particularly with regard to his examination of the forces which argued for "assimilation" as well as for the retention by Jews of their necessary ritual and communal observances. Since Jews were prominent in the cultural, scientific, and economic elements of European (and Hungarian) life, their responses to the pressures that were exerted, often of an anti-Judaic nature, are given vivid and profound consideration by Dr. Ungvari. I have found this book to be an invaluable source of information for readers who wish to know the conditions under which Jews worked and lived from before World War I and since then. Dr. Ungvari gives a clear view of the concerns and disputes which often erupted and which saw the diversity of arguments and considerations which took place, among Jews and non-Jews, and always with the looming and threatening power of long-ingrained anti-Judaism in that part of the world. I offer my highest recommendation to all readers.
Liszt
Published in Unknown Binding by Omnibus Press ()
Average review score:
great job!Bryce Morrison is a celebrated music critic, and with this book he also proves himself a great biographer. This biography is surprisingly entertaining and should be recommended to anyone interested in Liszt. The numerous illustrations in this book are a source of joy!
very interesting!It's quite easy to read. The author tells the story in a really engaging way. (You can't feel bored!) The story of Liszt is certainly very fascinating...
Lugosi: His Life in Films, on Stage, and in the Hearts of Horror Lovers
Published in Hardcover by McFarland & Company (February, 1997)
Average review score:
King of Horror MasterpieceIn August, 1956, faded horror film star Bela Lugosi died forgotten and penniless in Los Angeles. Five marriages, two bankruptcies, and a slow descent into chemical abuse and career collapse had taken their toll. Considered the ultimate "Dracula" star and actor today, Lugosi had watched his film success peak in the early 1930's. Boris Karloff quickly passed him by as the new King of Hollywood Horror. And poor Bela never recovered from the loss of prestige. Settling for a paltry $3500. to star in "Dracula" for Universal in 1931, Lugosi fumbled through a long line of poor business managers and faulty screen appearances right up until his untimely death. Just one year after his demise, Universal Studios re-packaged their old classic 1930's horror flicks for TV as "Shock Theater". Instantly, teens around the world reveled in the calculated mannerisms of the Hungarian Count. A big new star was born...just after his final curtain. "Lugosi: His Life in Films" reveals every detail. Published in 1996, you won't find this excellent compendium in any store. But you can order it through Amazon. Lovingly written by cinephile Gary Don Rhodes, the book lists every film, event, and appearance of the cinema icon. Bela Lugosi was scheduled to play Dracula in 1944's "House of Frankenstein". He never did. A marvelous photo of him as Jesus Christ(one of many great pics) reveals his true versatility. These rare pictures and historical investigations are all here for the true Lugosi fan. It's astounding that such a comprehensive work is available. Should we be surprised? Maybe not. After all..."There are many things under the sun..."
A "Silents Majority" review of "Lugosi"Reference books generally have a reputation of being full of facts, yet dry in prose. While a bio-bibliography may not be traditionally called "entertainment," this ambitious effort successfully breaches the limitations of such reference books. It is a thought-provoking history of the great Béla Lugosi (1882 - 1956). His career was as varied and tragic, both publicly and privately, as John Barrymore's. His legend remains secure, thanks to "Dracula" (Universal, 1931). The life surrounding the legend has been colorfully illuminated thanks to Gary Don Rhodes. His phenomenal research charts Lugosi's long voyage of fame and infamy, revealing details never before printed. His documentation is truly an achievement and a labor of blood, sweat and love.
Lugosi was a lover of style, sports, good living and women. Rhodes provides exhaustive examples of his exploits, both publicized and private. The wealth of photos alone display Lugosi out of his cape as a sociable creature, playful, enthusiastic, an avid reader and a cigar aficionado. A ladies' man, he was married five times. All five marriages are covered in detail - after all, there is curiosity about the love life of a vampire! There is documentation of his stage, screen and even court appearances; critical analysis of his career; and quotes and articles about or by Lugosi. The light side and the dark side are equally exposed. He was a man of strengths and weaknesses - perhaps the most notable and depressing of the latter was his long-term drug addiction. All of these elements are integrated to present a fascinating portrait of a complex artist. Those who are obsessed by the great Hungarian actor will find a sumptuous feast to satisfy their hunger. Even the mildly intrigued will be drawn into this unique individual's world. Lugosi never lost his dignity nor his offbeat sense of humor. His proud Magyar heart kept his spirit intact despite efforts to break it. Rhodes' book unflinchingly sees all and tells all - with intelligence, compassion and devotion.
- Copyright, 1997, Diane MacIntyre, "The Silents Majority" (http://www.mdle.com/ClassicFilms/)