A photo of Leopold Hilsner (1918)

The Hilsner Affair

Anti-Jewish sentiment has long been a problem – even before the Nazis. This article describes the infamous Hilsner affair from Bohemia.

A photo of Malostranské Náměstí (The Lesser town square) from above - Prague, Czechia

Double agent Colonel Alfred Redl

Colonel Alfred Redl was chief of intelligence for Austro-Hungary at the beginning of the 20th century. He also was a double-agent for Russia, France and Italy. There is a direct connection between his actions and the start of World War I. This article is his story.

A map showing Moravia in the 19th century

The Punctation of Olomouc: Prussia vs Austria

The small town of Olomouc in Moravia is the place were the issue of German unity became a sore point in the 19th century between expansionist Prussia and dominant Austria. This article examines the power-play between the two and how Olomouc bore witness to Russian meddling in Central European affairs.

A copy of Maniac ravings or Little Boney in a strong fit by James Gillray

How did the British take control of Malta?

I often discuss Maltese history with others and have written about unusual parts of it here. Often people claims that ‘the British illegally took control’ of the Maltese islands. This is not true, but few are aware of this part of our history.

A photo of the organ at the Votivkirche - Vienna, Austria

How to Celebrate a Failed Assassination

As you head north-by-north-west from the city centre of Vienna, the old centre of the Austro-Hungarian empire, it won’t be long before you reach the Ringstrasse that marks the old walls of the city. There, in Sigmund Freud park, you can see the Votivkirche ⛪️