Reichs & Republics | The German History Podcast· Folge 30

Episode 30: Augustus the Strong - Europe's Worst King? with Prof. Tim Blanning

Dienstag, 6. Oktober 2026 · 59 min

MP3

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In this week's episode, Katja and Chris are joined by Professor Tim Blanning to discuss Augustus the Strong, Elector of Saxony and King of Poland. Famous for his strength, mistresses and lavish parties, Augustus has been called one of Europe's worst monarchs. They explore how he won and lost the Polish crown, his failures in the Great Northern War, and his triumph as the patron who transformed Dresden. So was he really such a bad king?

Books
Augustus the Strong: A Study in Artistic Greatness and Political Fiasco
amazon.co.uk/Augustus-Strong-Artistic-Greatnes…

The Pursuit of Glory: Europe 1648-1815

amazon.co.uk/Pursuit-Glory-Europe-1648-1815/dp…

Frederick the Great: King of Prussia
amazon.co.uk/Frederick-Great-Prussia-Tim-Blann…

Join us as we untangle this complex story, dispelling the popular myths and misapprehensions about a national history that still shapes the world we live in.

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Host: Katja Hoyer & Dr Christopher Dillon
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Credits:
- Host: Katja Hoyer and Dr Christopher Dillon
- Production: Linus Klaßen
- Editing: Jessa Sargento

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