The biography of Wilhelm von Habsburg is released in Ukrainian
In a joint publication by “Choven” and “Local History,” the book by American historian Timothy Snyder “The Red Prince: The Secret Lives of a Habsburg Archduke” appeared on the Ukrainian market. This is a biography of Wilhelm von Habsburg, known as Vasyl Vyshyvany.
Wilhelm von Habsburg was a descendant of the imperial throne of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, who became the legendary Ukrainian colonel Vasyl Vyshyvany. He fought for the independence of Ukraine during the First and Second World Wars, hoping to one day take the monarchical throne in the restored Ukrainian state. However, his plans were thwarted: in 1948, after being arrested in the USSR, he died in Lukyanivska prison in Kyiv.
The story of Wilhelm von Habsburg is known not only for his political ambitions but also for his connections with Poles, Austrians, French, and even Nazi Germany. Collaborating with various states, he tried to find support for the restoration of Ukrainian statehood. However, the Nazis and Soviet counterintelligence thwarted his hopes, resulting in his capture by the Soviet authorities.
Wilhelm’s brother, Albrecht, also actively defended his beliefs, refusing to identify as German, despite attempts by Nazis and communists to take away his estates. Both brothers opposed totalitarian regimes, understanding that identity is a result of conscious choice, not political pressure.
Professor Timothy Snyder is a recognized researcher of Eastern European history of the 20th century, especially of Ukraine, Poland, and Russia. His works focus on questions of nationalism, totalitarianism, and the Holocaust and have already been translated into Ukrainian.
| Author | Timothy Snyder |
|---|---|
| Book | “The Red Prince: The Secret Lives of a Habsburg Archduke” |
| Publisher | “Choven” and “Local History” |
| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Language | Ukrainian |
